Propulsion Systems Engineer, Raptor Engine Feedline (Starship)

$110,000 - $130,000/Yr

SpaceX

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Systems Engineer role at SpaceX is a pivotal position responsible for the development of fluid systems that enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and building the feedline system that supplies Raptor engines on the Starship, which is recognized as the longest and most technically challenging feedline system ever designed in the history of space exploration. The engineer will engage in sizing vehicle feedline components, conducting detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Additionally, the engineer will develop the concept of operations for their systems, which encompasses everything from acceptance testing to in-flight operations. In this fast-paced and immersive environment, the engineer will be expected to take ownership of significant business outcomes and experience unparalleled personal and professional growth. Responsibilities include the design, development, and testing of feedline systems that transport liquid methane and liquid oxygen into Raptor engines throughout all phases of flight. The engineer will also perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure the feed system's survivability, develop 3D models, release associated drawings, and collaborate closely with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis. Furthermore, the engineer will work with the manufacturing and build team to ensure designs are suitable for mass production and to resolve any issues that arise during manufacturing. Optimization of feed system components for mass and cost efficiency is also a key responsibility, along with coordinating and executing development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test feedline systems that supply liquid methane and liquid oxygen to Raptor engines throughout all flight phases.
• Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure the feed system's survivability.
• Develop 3D models and release associated drawings, design documentation, and reports.
• Collaborate with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis.
• Work closely with the manufacturing and build team to ensure designs are suitable for mass production and resolve any manufacturing issues.
• Optimize feed system components design for mass and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical or structural design, analysis, modeling, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies).

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• 2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages.
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD package.
• Familiarity with cryogenic fluid mechanics and heat transfer analysis.
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.).
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
• Experience working 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.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various discounts and perks.
• Accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.
• Potential for long-term incentives, including company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.