Sr. Propulsion Fluids Analyst (Raptor Systems Engineering)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Sr. Propulsion Fluids Analyst to evaluate and improve engine hardware designs through fluids and thermal analyses. You will collaborate with propulsion engineers and validate model predictions with test data, directly impacting engine development and safety.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, over 5 years of experience in relevant analyses, and proficiency in software tools like STAR-CCM+ and MATLAB. Join a team dedicated to enabling human life on Mars.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis.
• Demonstrable proficiency in compressible and incompressible fluid mechanics.
• Experience with transient fluids modeling and thermal modeling.

Responsibilities

• Perform fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis for flight engine hardware.
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers on design cycles.
• Validate predictions with real test and flight data.

Skills

CFD analysis

Thermal analysis

Fluid mechanics

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Master’s degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

Sinda/Fluint

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS CFX

Siemens NX

Job description

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. PROPULSION FLUIDS ANALYST (RAPTOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING)

The Propulsion Fluids Analyst role is responsible for evaluating and improving engine hardware designs through fluids and thermal analyses using tools such as Sinda/Fluint, STAR-CCM+, and custom code to build, mesh, and solve models. You will analyze conditions across all operations—from startup through mainstage to shutdown—and for every phase of flight in the mission, while validating predictions with engine test and flight data. Your analytical conclusions will guide investigations spanning the entire engine, from individual valves and combustors to coupled system‑level interactions, directly enabling the development, production, and safe operation of the most advanced, full‑flow staged combustion engine boosting the largest launch vehicle in history.

Responsibilities

• Perform fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis to drive design decisions for flight engine hardware and provide verification that reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight of the mission
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers on various engine teams to proactively anticipate and drive analyses throughout engine component design cycles
• Ground model predictions in reality through hands‑on validation of testing development and flight hardware
• Organize and improve integrated system models and analysis workflow for greater output and efficiency

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Experience with setup, execution, debugging, and post‑processing (geometry, mesh generation, and model selection) of steady‑state and transient CFD simulations using ideal and real‑fluid equations of state (using StarCCM+, ANSYS CFX, or other)
• Experience with creating watertight parasolids for CFD using Siemens NX
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer simulations
• Experience with transient fluids modeling (using SINDA/FLUINT or other)
• Experience with thermal and heat transfer modeling (using ANSYS or other)
• Experience in using thermal and fluids hand‑calcs to validate or improve confidence in higher fidelity models
• Strong fundamental understanding of engine cycles and injector types used in liquid bipropellant rocket engines
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, etc. to automate/script tasks and post‑process data
• Previous experience in the aerospace industry
• Demonstrated ability to execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Demonstrated ability to provide and concisely communicate (oral and written) highly technical information to a broad audience
• Self‑motivated to solve complex problems
• Eager to participate in the extremely challenging but high impact environment that is SpaceX

Additional Requirements

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation & Benefits

Pay range:

Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $135,000 - $190,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].