Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Components)

The Raptor Components team conceptualizes, models, drafts, and supports mechanical and electro-mechanical control assemblies that run the Raptor engine. On this team, you will design and ensure success of these assemblies by combining pneumatics, mechanical, electrical, and software into integrated packages enabling streamlined manufacturing and engine operation. We design, analyze, build, test, and fly components for simplicity, manufacturability, and reliability in extreme thermal, pressure, and vibe environments. You will own the relationship between your hardware and suppliers, customers, and test teams while spearheading your own projects. You will provide input into vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness on Starship, the vehicle that will transform Earth orbit operations, normalize space technology, and make humanity multi-planetary.

• →Generate and improve CAD, engineering drawings, analysis, component specifications, and risk assessments to maximize vehicle reliability.
• →Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implementing corrective actions, proactively seeking out hardware issues, and implementing solutions early.
• →Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable, 99.99% reliable flow control devices. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries.
• →Safely implement thorough component testing and checkouts across multiple build, test, and launch sites.
• →Set the standard for rigorous component design and qualification testing, increasing scrutiny as the vehicle program matures in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions.
• →Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, testing, and flight teams to achieve SpaceX’s most reliable, highest rate components, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost.
• →Coordinate team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities, motivating and holding teammates accountable for execution.
• →Be chief engineer, collaborating with peer/engine/vehicle teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the program goals. Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes
• Strong leadership project management skills and experience, and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
• Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems
• Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems, solid mechanics, and/or electrical systems
• Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, mechanical, high voltage, or test instrumentation and control
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gears, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, or pumps

• 10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

• 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.