Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Thrust Chamber)

$125,000 - $175,000/Yr

SpaceX - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hawthorne, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Sr. Merlin Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX, you will be responsible for the design, development, qualification, and production support of the Merlin Thrust Chamber Assembly (TCA) for both the Merlin 1D and Merlin 1D Vacuum engines. This role requires a strong technical background in metallic structures, materials, fluid systems, and welding, ensuring the rapid production and reliability of the engines. You will collaborate closely with various teams to support commercial, science, exploration, national security, and crewed missions, contributing to over 144 flights per year.

Responsibilities

• Support build, test, and flight of Merlin Thrust Chamber Assemblies for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure TCA and key sub-assemblies are manufactured correctly and efficiently.
• Generate accurate CAD models and drawings for the TCA, ensuring manufacturability with available processes.
• Perform and review structural, thermal, and fluid analyses on TCA components to meet life, performance, and reliability standards.
• Lead design and process improvements for M1D and MVacD TCA.
• Resolve issues encountered with the TCA during testing or flight operations.
• Support engine test teams for development, qualification, and production tests.
• Assist launch and refurbishment teams to ensure reliability during engine reuse.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in hardware or propulsion system development.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines of any size.
• 3+ years of experience in TCA or rocket engine development.
• Experience with thrust chamber manufacturing and design for manufacturability.
• Experience with thrust chamber testing and engine firing.
• Full engineering lifecycle experience.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, flow, heat transfer, structures, and material science.
• Experience with thrust chamber design and analysis using CFD and FEA tools.
• Professional experience using Siemens NX and ANSYS.

Benefits

• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• 401(k)
• Retirement plan
• Stock options