Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems (Raptor)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

5,001-10,000 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems (Raptor) at SpaceX is responsible for overseeing the development and performance of the Raptor engine systems. This role involves managing system-level hardware requirements, leading multi-disciplinary investigations, and ensuring that the engine meets performance targets throughout its design, build, and testing phases. The engineer will collaborate with various teams to drive future engine design and development, while also performing hands-on work to understand production processes and provide feedback.

Responsibilities

• Own system level hardware, engine requirements, and related processes critical to overall engine function from design and build through testing and flight.
• Interface with numerous teams within Raptor and Starship to ensure engine requirements are met and to build a reliable, high-performance vehicle system.
• Drive future engine design and development through top-level ownership of large collaborative upgrades across the entire engine.
• Own development hardware builds, first-article activation, and the overall engine development plan for each major block upgrade.
• Lead complex, interdisciplinary engine hardware or performance investigations with a clear path to closure.
• Assemble trades and down select key architectural decisions with consensus among teams within Raptor and Starship.
• Be the technical leader of overall development testing of the engine, managing the developmental direction regularly.
• Work closely with the McGregor development and test team to conduct high rate testing.
• Collaborate with Raptor combustion devices, turbomachinery, and other teams to optimize development timelines toward a highly reliable, high-rate flight engine.
• Perform hands-on work with design and manufacturing teams to understand production processes and provide feedback on hardware and process changes.
• Make risk-conscious decisions under pressure and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges.
• Be proactive and flexible to changes in department/company strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics, and structural design in demanding environments.
• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline.
• 2+ years working in multidisciplinary teams, projects, or programs in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability at successfully troubleshooting/resolving hardware test issues or flight anomalies.
• Experience in a test operational role for multiple test articles (engines, components, etc.).
• Familiarity with a CAD package like Siemens NX.
• Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time constraints.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Access to various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.