SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION ENGINEER, COMPONENTS (RAPTOR)

The Raptor Components team develops the most advanced engine control components in the world. Our engineers are hardware experts for flow control devices that enable the Raptor engine by integrating pneumatics, mechanical, electrical, and software into packages that streamline 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 use and expand your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop solutions at the cutting edge of space technology. You will own the relationship between your hardware and suppliers, customers, and manufacturing 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 make humanity multi-planetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable, 99.9% reliable flow control devices
• Question requirements, simplify/optimize parts and processes, and automate component deliveries
• Implement thorough component testing and checkouts across multiple build and test sites
• Spearhead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions during development, production, test, integration, and launch. Proactively identify hardware issues and implement solutions early
• Set and continuously develop the standard for rigorous component design and qualification testing as the vehicle program matures in pursuit of commercial and crewed orbital missions
• Generate and improve detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis, and risk assessments
• Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, testing, and flight teams to achieve SpaceX’s most reliable, highest rate components while executing high factory yield and automotive volume/cost
• Lead a team of peers to achieve goals by assigning clear responsibilities and holding teammates accountable for execution
• Act as a chief engineer by collaborating with peer, engine, and vehicle teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the program goals
• Inform system-level architecture with component capabilities and vulnerabilities to minimize cost of payload to orbit

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of designing and analyzing mechanical systems via internships, labs, clubs, extracurricular activities, or professional industry experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineer discipline or physics
• +1 years of professional industry experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gears, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, and/or pumps
• Understanding of fundamental principals in fluid systems, solid mechanics, and/or electrical systems
• Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, mechanical, high voltage, and/or test instrumentation and control
• Effective written and oral communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
• Leadership experience and strong project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills within a collaborative environment
• Self-motivated to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware (up to 10%)
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Propulsion Engineer/Level 1: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Propulsion Engineer/Level 2: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.