Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Main Injector)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Propulsion Engineer focusing on the Merlin Main Injector at SpaceX, you will be responsible for the design, development, qualification, and production support of the Merlin Main Injector Assembly. This role requires a strong technical background in mechanical and fluid fundamentals to ensure the reliability of the Merlin engine, while collaborating closely with various teams to support commercial and national security missions.

Responsibilities

• Support build, test, and flight of Merlin main injector assemblies for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
• Generate accurate CAD models and drawings with design for manufacturing/assembly considerations.
• Review and update structural analysis on main injector components to meet required standards.
• Understand assembly and tolerance stack-ups for assessing seal compression and extrusion.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to ensure correct and efficient manufacturing of main injector assemblies.
• Lead design, manufacturing, or reliability improvements to the Main Injector and ensure proper qualification of changes.
• Work with teams developing other engine systems to understand the implications of your part on adjacent systems.
• Resolve issues encountered with the main injector during testing, flight operations, or refurbishment.
• Support engine test teams for development, qualification, and production engines, involving travel to other SpaceX sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience in combustion devices or engine design.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Strong fundamentals of structural mechanics, fatigue, and fracture with experience in stress analysis (ANSYS).
• Strong fluid flow and heat transfer fundamentals; experience with CFD is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines or automotive engine design.
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC, welding, and additive manufacturing.
• Project experience across the full engineering lifecycle.

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 with stock purchase options.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.