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

$125,000 - $175,000/Yr

SpaceX

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite

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 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 be tasked with sizing vehicle feedline components, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. The Propulsion Systems Engineer will also develop the concept of operations for their systems, which includes 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 will 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 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. Collaboration with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis, as well as working closely with the manufacturing and build team to ensure designs are suitable for mass production, are also key aspects of this role. The engineer will be responsible for optimizing feed system components for mass and cost and will coordinate and execute 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.
• Various discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year.