Stage Propulsion Systems Engineer — High-Impact Spaceflight

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in the United States is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) to own the design, operation, and performance of the stage propulsion systems for the Starship vehicle.

You will develop requirements, thermodynamic models, test plans, and support launch operations across SpaceX facilities, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure reliable flight hardware and timely mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience.
• Master’s degree preferred in engineering field.
• Strong first principles in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with pressurized fluid systems and propulsion is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB.
• Willingness to mentor and work long hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance for stage propulsion components.
• Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of stage propulsion systems.
• Generate and maintain stage control timing, valve sequencing, and mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration.
• Support production, test, and launch operations across SpaceX facilities.
• Review and approve stage system checkouts and dispositions; perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test.
• Generate and maintain all stage test plans; review data and validate system performance; sign off on acceptance.
• Review launch procedures, anomaly resolutions, and flight software; fully support major launch operations.
• Lead handling of flight anomalies and corrective actions.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Fluid systems

Python

MATLAB

Problem solving

Clear communication

Team mentoring

Thermodynamics

Flight hardware

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

SpaceX in the United States is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) to own the design, operation, and performance of the stage propulsion systems for the Starship vehicle.

You will develop requirements, thermodynamic models, test plans, and support launch operations across SpaceX facilities, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure reliable flight hardware and timely mission success.