Propulsion Engineer, Development Operations (Raptor)

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, DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS (RAPTOR) As a Propulsion Engineer on the Raptor Development Operations team, you will be responsible for guiding development of future versions of Raptor as well as end-to-end ownership of one or more systems on the engine. In this role you will be accountable for defining requirements, developing operations, verifying capability, and ensuring compatibility with the vehicle for the system(s) you own. Your detailed knowledge of the Raptor engine will make you a leader in the engine development cycle, including detailed test planning, data review, on-console test support, and anomaly resolution. Raptor is a highly integrated, full flow staged combustion engine on the Starship vehicle. In this role, you’ll have system-level ownership, which requires excellent planning/vision, broad technical depth, communication, and the ability to work hardware, fluids, operations, structures, GNC, software, and with teams across both Raptor and Starship.ResponsibilitiesOwn system level processes and operations critical to overall engine function from design and build through testing and flightEstablish hardware and operational requirements and work with other responsible engineers to ensure interfacing systems meet requirements to ensure we are building the highest performance, reliable vehicle system possibleCommunicate system capability and requirements such that the entire engine/vehicle system comes together as a cohesive, integrated unit through clear development roadmaps, execution of new designs, and efficient development test programs from concept design to flying Starship at high rateOwnership of system through flight, including data review, reuse, and on-console support as neededDrive the development roadmap for new versions of the Raptor engine through:Converting programmatic goals into concrete requirements for Raptor and Starship teams to follow while developing a new engine versionDeveloping test requirements and participating in test operations to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flightBeing directly in involved in leading development testing on-site at the McGregor and/or Starbase test facilityDeveloping test plans for development objectives, reviewing data, and providing troubleshooting recommendations and solutions. Communicate results of the tests to impacted systems and drive any observed anomalies to closure.Drive findings in engine development back to the factory to quickly address problems and buy down risk ahead of flightPerform risk-conscious decision-making under pressureMaintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challengesBe proactive and flexible to changes in department/company strategyBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flightPreferred Skills & ExperienceDemonstrated understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics, heat transfer, and structural design in demanding environmentsMaster’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline2+ years working in multidisciplinary teams, projects, or programs in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environmentDemonstrated ability at successfully troubleshooting/resolving hardware test issues or flight anomalies from analyzing test dataExperience in a test operational role for multiple test articles (engines, components, etc.)Familiarity with a CAD package like Siemens NXExperience with executing high quality work in a highly technical yet fast-moving environment with tight timelines and aggressive schedulesExperience with systems-level engine modelingAdditional RequirementsWilling to travel in support of test and launch operationsWillingness to work extended hours and weekends as neededPay RangeCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per yearPropulsion Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per yearYour 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.Itar RequirementsTo 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.