PROPULSION DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT)
The Propulsion Development Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware from concept through to flight (and re-flight) operations, and everything in between. Pursue all processes necessary to effectively and safely prepare and fly world-changing launch vehicles. Work with brilliant, passionate engineers to rapidly develop methods to achieve airline-like operations for the highest performing rocket engines in the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems
- Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at a high standard of excellence
- Enable high launch cadence with unparalleled reliability through automated analysis of test and flight data; expand existing capabilities and develop new algorithms to improve reliability and thoroughness of all flight processes
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians from most engineering disciplines, including stage propulsion, structure, launch, testing, production, ground, software, avionics, guidance and control, mission management, flight reliability, etc. to achieve successful and reliable engine performance in flight and during ground testing, and to continuously refine the designs and practices for increased reliability and reduced costs
- Support live test and flight operations in the role of primary console operator
- Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure across multi-disciplinary systems
- Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system
- Represent engine system in role of a responsible engineer to the rest of the vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative disciplines
- Develop test plans, and analyze test results in support of test and flight operations
- Execute walkdowns, and support hardware troubleshooting in the field
- Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through practical application of automation and process controls
- Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility
- Balance competing priorities and several dynamic projects simultaneously, while assessing level of depth/accuracy needed for each task
- Push tasks to complete closure, with a burning sense of urgency and extreme ownership
- Pivot and adapt quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and/or level of depth as needed, to stay aligned with program’s shifting needs
- Operate in high-stress environment with grit and endurance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
- 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
- Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
- Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
- Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Liquid engine development experience, or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and pneumatic systems
- Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
- Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
- Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems
- Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to travel between CA and TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development – up to 10%
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Level II: $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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
