Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Hardware Development)

As a Merlin Propulsion Engineer, you will own engine hardware and software from first build through acceptance test, flight, and re-flight. You will drive design, process, and operational changes that improve Merlin reliability, producibility, and performance—and help Falcon scale production and flight rate without sacrificing the flight heritage that made it the world’s most reliable launch vehicle. On any given week you might be hands-on with the engine, in a design or test review, briefing a customer, or closing an anomaly investigation before the next launch.

• →Serve as the Responsible Engineer for a Merlin engine component or system, where you will be the primary technical point of contact for your hardware through the complete life cycle
• →Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations
• →Design, analyze, produce, and operate Merlin propulsion hardware and systems across development and flight operations
• →Partner with engineers and technicians across production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), software, mission management, and flight reliability to deliver flight-ready engines
• →Resolve day-to-day production, test, and launch issues by getting hands-on with the hardware
• →Brief commercial and government customers on hardware changes and issues as a technical authority for mission success
• →Make sound, risk-informed decisions under time pressure, including during test and launch campaigns
• →Implement and maintain hardware and software verification and validation using automation and process controls that scale with flight rate
• →Develop and improve engine maintenance procedures with the launch site and test teams to improve hardware readiness and reduce turnaround time
• →Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware, drive rapid resolution, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• →Build tools, especially while leveraging AI, to automate analysis, reduce repetitive work, and speed up engineering decisions
• →Run multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing against program milestones and business needs while maintaining excellent attention to detail

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of academic or professional hands-on experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine development
• Strong foundation in fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible), thermodynamics, combustion, structures/fracture mechanics, and materials—and the judgment to apply them to real hardware decisions.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
• Experience across the full engineering lifecycle—from design trade and CAD through manufacturing, test, qualification, production, and flight/operations.
• Experience performing risk assessments or supporting timely closure of root-cause investigations
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
• Comfortable briefing senior leadership and external customers on technical risk and hardware status
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers

• Ability to travel in support of testing, launching, and maintenance of engine hardware (up to 10%)
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when production, test, or launch timelines require it

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.