Propulsion Engineer, Structural Analyst (Merlin)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Engineer, Structural Analyst (Merlin) at SpaceX focuses on the structural analysis of engine parts to inform design decisions and ensure the reliability, performance, and reuse of the Merlin engines. This role is critical in maintaining the flightworthiness of engine hardware and software throughout their lifecycle, from initial build through testing and into flight operations. The engineer will also drive initiatives aimed at improving reliability and enabling higher rates of production for the Falcon launch vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal, thermo-mechanical, dynamic and durability analyses on Merlin engines to inform design decisions and ensure reliability, performance, and reuse requirements are met.
• Take a practical, hands-on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are tied to reality and test data, and make improvements to the engine design.
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, ensuring changes are properly qualified.
• Support the resolution of issues encountered during manufacturing, testing, flight operations or engine refurbishment in a timely fashion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in structural analysis
• 1+ years of experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and commercial tools such as ANSYS
• 1+ years of experience with combustion devices or rocket engine development.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, thermo-mechanical, random vibration, fatigue and fracture
• Strong fluid flow and heat transfer fundamentals; experience with CFD or fluent is not required but is valued
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and GD&T
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc.
• Project experience or full professional engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
• 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.