Propulsion Engineer (Falcon Vehicle Operations)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hawthorne, CA

5,001-10,000 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer (Falcon Vehicle Operations) at SpaceX is responsible for ensuring the success of Falcon stage propulsion systems through test and launch operations. This role involves a comprehensive understanding of integrated stage propulsion systems, troubleshooting anomalies, and driving vehicle design evolution and performance optimization. Engineers in this position will work closely with various engineering teams to ensure flight readiness and operational efficiency, while also supporting mission control during critical operations.

Responsibilities

• Take sole responsibility for a given Falcon stage's success through test and launch
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all stage propulsion systems and operation
• Define, implement, and validate checkouts and system requirements
• Define, implement, and execute on test and mission objectives
• Represent stage propulsion systems during test and launch operations live on-console from mission control
• Perform post-test and post-flight data reviews
• Lead anomaly investigations and drive investigations to resolution
• Solve undefined and multi-disciplinary problems, collaborating with engineering teams across SpaceX
• Identify and drive vehicle trades, including trades in design, operations, and performance
• Develop software tools to improve mission workflow efficiency
• Optimize test and mission operations to safely enable a rapidly increasing, industry-leading, launch rate

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace/aeronautical, physics, or chemical engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, and/or integrated vehicle test engineering

Nice-to-haves

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible)
• Working knowledge of statics, mechanics of materials, and pressurized structures
• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems and free-body dynamics
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and exceptional attention to detail
• Experience working with pressurized fluid systems such as: high-pressure systems, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, cryogenic propellants, pressure control devices, valves, tubes/pipes, diffusers, and fittings
• Experience testing aircraft, rocket stage or engine systems, or other fluid systems
• Experience with integrated flight operations (flight, on-orbit, or launch)
• Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (pressure transducers, RTDs)
• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, integration, assembly, and testing or operation
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly changing, highly technical, and data-driven environment
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly communicate in high-stakes, time-sensitive situations
• Working knowledge of Python
• Working knowledge of version-controlling software such as SVN and/or GIT

Benefits

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