Sr. Propulsion Systems Engineer, Raptor Engine Feedline (Starship)

$125,000 - $175,000/Yr

SpaceX - Brownsville, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Brownsville, TX

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Propulsion Systems Engineer role at SpaceX is a critical position responsible for developing the fluid systems that enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role focuses on the design, analysis, and construction of 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 designs, performing structural analyses, and overseeing the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. In this role, the engineer will be tasked with developing the concept of operations for their systems, which encompasses everything from acceptance testing to in-flight operations. The position demands a high level of ownership over large business outcomes and offers an unparalleled rate of personal and professional growth in a fast-paced environment. The engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of feedline systems that transport liquid methane and liquid oxygen into Raptor engines throughout all phases of flight. Additionally, the engineer will 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. Close collaboration with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis is essential, as is working with the manufacturing and build team to ensure designs are suitable for mass production and to resolve any manufacturing issues. The engineer will also be responsible for optimizing feed system components for mass and cost efficiency, as well as 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.
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or structural design, analysis, modeling, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies).
• 3+ years of experience with commercial FEA packages (e.g. ABAQUS, ANSYS, NASTRAN).

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in an engineering field.
• Experience with large assembly finite element analysis (non-linear FEA and coupled fluid-structural analysis is a plus).
• Background in cryogenic fluid mechanics (multiphase) and heat transfer analysis.
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.).
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD package.
• 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.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Access to 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 and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.