Propulsion Engineer (M1D Refurbishment)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer (M1D Refurbishment) at SpaceX is responsible for the successful refurbishment and flight readiness of the Merlin 1D engines used in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This role involves developing and implementing processes for engine integration, manufacturing, and testing, while ensuring high accountability and collaboration within a cross-functional team. The engineer will manage hardware verification, troubleshoot operational issues, and support engine test and flight operations, contributing to SpaceX's mission of enabling human life on Mars.

Responsibilities

• Develop integration, manufacturing, and test processes for flown Merlin engines.
• Drive continual improvements for future builds to enable reliable and timely refurbishment of M1D engines.
• Own critical flight hardware, systems, and/or processes.
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and test/launch sites to process flown M1D hardware.
• Troubleshoot ground and flight operational issues, develop and verify hardware and software modifications to address as required.
• Manage engine fleet configuration as design improvements are implemented.
• Support engine test and flight operations, and perform detailed post-operation data review.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing.

Nice-to-haves

• Liquid rocket engine development and/or operational experience.
• Experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems.
• Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
• Experience with NX or other solid modeling software and with generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Software/coding experience with Python, SQL, or PowerBI.
• Master's degree in aeronautical/astronautical and/or mechanical engineering.
• In-depth understanding of the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials.
• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Familiarity with vehicle test and flight operation processes.

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.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.