Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Flight Operations)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Flight Operations) at SpaceX is responsible for ensuring the flightworthiness of the Merlin engine hardware and software throughout its lifecycle. This role involves critical decision-making during the processing of engine hardware, defining and validating operational requirements, and supporting test and launch operations. The engineer will also lead investigations into engine anomalies and develop automation capabilities to enhance launch cadence, contributing to the long-term success of the Falcon launch vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Merlin engine and its operation
• Make critical decisions for the processing of Merlin engine hardware during build, test, integration, and flight to ensure 100% mission success
• Define, implement, and validate engine acceptance and operational requirements to promote reliability, rapid reusability, and streamlined processing of engines
• Take on primary responsibility for the success of Merlin engine(s) for a given test or launch campaign
• Support test and launch operations across all SpaceX facilities, including live on-console support from mission control
• Perform post-test and post-flight data reviews, and provide technical recommendations to Vehicle Maintenance team to enable rapid, reliable reuse of hardware
• Solve undefined and multi-disciplinary problems, interfacing with engineering and technician teams from all disciplines across SpaceX
• Work closely with commercial and government customers to drive down technical debt, mitigate flight risks, and ensure maximum hardware and software reliability
• Lead engine anomaly investigations and drive these investigations to resolution
• Develop new automation capabilities to enable extreme launch cadence
• Optimize recurring test and mission tasks to enable an increasingly demanding launch manifest

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with engines or fluid systems

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
• Analytical/scientific programming experience
• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
• Experience in collaborative coding within version-controlled repositories (i.e., Git)
• Experience with Python
• Proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Basic familiarity with liquid propellant rocket engine cycles, liquid propellant launch vehicle fluid systems, and components used in launch vehicle fluid systems
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
• Experience testing liquid propellant rocket engines and/or working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems
• Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment
• Profound sense of personal ownership and extreme accountability
• Ability to think clearly and communicate concisely in high-pressure, time-critical situations
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
• Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 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
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan