Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Main Injector)

$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

As a Merlin Development Engineer 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, which is critical for SpaceX's commercial and national security missions. You will collaborate closely with various teams to support the ongoing flight operations of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Support build, test, and flight of Merlin main injector assemblies for SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy reusable launch vehicles.
• Generate accurate, precise, and thoughtfully-dimensioned CAD models and drawings, with appropriate design for manufacturing/assembly (DFMA) considerations.
• Review and/or update detailed structural analysis on all the main injector components/systems, and confirm that they meet the required standards for structural margin, fatigue life, etc.
• Understand the detailed assembly and tolerance stack-ups required for assessing seal compression and extrusion for both static and dynamics seals.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure main injector and key sub-assemblies are manufactured correctly, efficiently and that all processes are value-added.
• Lead ongoing design, manufacturing or reliability improvements to the Main Injector, and ensure the changes are properly qualified.
• Work with teams developing other systems on the engine (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to have a deep understanding of the implications your part will have on adjacent/supporting systems.
• Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the main injector during testing, flight operations or engine refurbishment in a timely fashion.
• Support M1D and MVacD engine test teams for development, qualification, and production engines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience in combustion devices or engine design (includes internships, personal projects, and school or team projects)

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Strong fundamentals of structural mechanics, fatigue and fracture.
• Experience with stress analysis (ANSYS), fatigue and fracture calculations are strongly preferred.
• Strong fluid flow and heat transfer fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems, etc.
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc.
• Proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
• Great attitude in the face of extreme technical and schedule challenges
• Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
• Project experience or full professional engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse) is desired
• Demonstrated track record of excellent academic and professional achievement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers
• Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule, without sacrificing safety or reliability
• Experience making risk evaluations and/or supporting root cause investigations

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
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan allowing purchase of additional stock at a discount