Propulsion Engineer, Additive (Raptor)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer, Additive (Raptor) at SpaceX is responsible for the design, development, and testing of additive manufacturing processes, focusing on enhancing machine performance and part quality. This role involves collaboration with various engineering teams to optimize additive techniques and ensure robust production capabilities for aerospace components.

Responsibilities

• Drive and identify projects to enhance printer platforms based on machine issues and data acquisition.
• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of additive processes using powder-bed and powder-fed approaches.
• Implement process improvements throughout the additive manufacturing workflow.
• Collaborate with the design team to optimize features for additive manufacturing.
• Generate and optimize build files for high-quality part production.
• Work with materials engineers to develop optimal print parameters and heat treatments for alloys.
• Maintain systems for efficient process data collection and analysis.
• Document best practices for new equipment and processes.
• Identify and implement safety improvements in additive manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of professional hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and/or project management experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in aeronautical, astronautical, or mechanical engineering.
• Experience with operating additive machines and process control.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing machines.
• Knowledge of various additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques for metals.
• Solid understanding of optics and lasers.
• Familiarity with aerospace design and test specifications.
• Knowledge of common engineering materials properties, particularly for titanium or nickel-based alloys.
• Ability to perform trade studies using engineering fundamentals.
• Proficient in principles of flow, thermodynamics, mechanics, and electrical circuits.
• Hands-on experience with aerospace component testing.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present recommendations succinctly.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with stock purchase options.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.