Stage Propulsion Systems Engineer - Interplanetary Launch

Starlink; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) in the United States to own stage propulsion performance across vehicle and mission. You will develop and maintain propulsion designs, models, and testing plans, and support production, test, and launch activities at SpaceX facilities.

The role requires strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluids, and controls, plus hands-on hardware experience and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
• At least 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Familiarity with pressurized fluid systems and propulsion components.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of stage propulsion components.
• Create and sustain thermal/fluid models for stage propulsion systems.
• Generate stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and mission design; draft CONOPs for flight software configuration.
• Support production, test, and launch operations across SpaceX facilities.
• Review stage checkouts, dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment.
• Develop stage test plans; support testing operations and validate system performance.
• Review launch procedures and flight software; provide sign-off prior to launch.
• Support major launch operations as directed by the launch director.
• Study launch data, validate vehicle performance, and lead stage-related anomaly resolutions.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Python

MATLAB

Communication skills

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in ME/MAE

Master's in ME/AE or related

Tools

Pressure transducers

RTDs

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) in the United States to own stage propulsion performance across vehicle and mission. You will develop and maintain propulsion designs, models, and testing plans, and support production, test, and launch activities at SpaceX facilities.

The role requires strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluids, and controls, plus hands-on hardware experience and excellent communication.