Structural Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structural Analyst to ensure the structural reliability of Raptor Combustion Devices, guiding analyses from liftoff to landing and supporting high‑performance hardware.

You will perform FEA, validate predictions with test data, and collaborate with design, production, test, and reliability teams to meet engine and vehicle objectives. Travel and extended hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics.
• 1+ years of structural analysis experience (academic or professional).
• Experience with FEA software and post-processing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct static, thermal, thermo-mechanical, dynamic and durability analyses on Raptor hardware using FEA.
• Collaborate across design, production, development test and launch to meet engine objectives.
• Validate models with test data and ensure predictions align with criteria.
• Support design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine and new designs.

Skills

FEA experience

Post-processing

Model validation

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Engineering or Physics

Masters in related field

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

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.

STRUCTURAL ANALYST (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)

The Propulsion Structural Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the structural reliability of Raptor Combustion Devices components subject to extreme pressures, temperatures, vibrations, and accelerations from liftoff to landing. These engineers possess an affinity for physics, structural mechanics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware. You will drive analysis, design, manufacturing, 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 static, thermal, thermo-mechanical, dynamic, and durability (fatigue/fracture) analyses on Raptor Combustion Devices hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability, performance, and reuse requirements are met
• 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
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to structural analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post‑processing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine/motor development
• Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, and heat transfer
• 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
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and GD&T
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. Proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)

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:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑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 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].