Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

10 or more paid holidays per year

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is looking for a Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst in Hawthorne, CA. This role is critical in ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor propulsion components used in cutting-edge rocket technology. The analyst will conduct thermal analyses, collaborate with a team of engineers, and validate designs through rigorous testing. A Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics and over 4 years of experience in thermal analysis are required. Competitive compensation is offered, including benefits and stock options.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience related to thermal analysis.
• Experience with FEA software and hand calculations.
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines or complex fluid systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document thermal analyses on Raptor hardware.
• Collaborate with engineers to define and validate design criteria.
• Support design, manufacturing, and reliability improvements.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Interpersonal and communication skills

Physics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics

Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering or physics

Tools

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS Workbench

Job description

Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out 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.

The Propulsion Thermal Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor components subject to extreme environments from liftoff to landing. These engineers possess an affinity for physics, thermodynamics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware. You will drive analysis, design, testing, and development of hardware for the world’s most advanced rocket engine powering Starship, the largest launch vehicle in history.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight
• Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, production, development test, launch, reliability and more to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives
• Take a practical, hands‑on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
• 4+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
• 6+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post‑processing
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench
• Experience with 0‑D and 1‑D thermal/fluid networks
• Hands‑on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
• Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $130,000 – $180,000 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. 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.

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.