Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Turbopumps & Injectors)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (MERLIN THRUST CHAMBER ASSEMBLIES / TURBOPUMPS & INJECTORS)

As a Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX, you will utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions at the cutting edge of thrust chamber assemblies and turbopump and injector propulsion technology. You will work in a highly dynamic environment supporting critical engine hardware that will deliver satellites into Earth’s orbit, ferry humans to and from the international space station, and ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond Earth and the moon. You will serve as the manufacturing process subject matter expert and be expected to provide input into the design and development of new and existing hardware to facilitate an aggressive manufacturing pace. Additionally, you will lead in developing manufacturing and test processes on one of history’s most reliable bi-propellant rocket engine.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support day-to-day production of Falcon, Merlin engine sub-assemblies, and engine integration which includes manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, metal forming, pressure testing, precision cleaning, non-destructive testing, heat treatment, and advanced mechanical assembly
  • Analyze recurring manufacturing discrepancies and their impact on hardware performance and lead multi-disciplinary teams on root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Develop new and evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to reduce non-conformance frequency/severity and processing/manufacturing costs
  • Provide subject matter expertise on multiple manufacturing processes and products and their impact on test and launch operations
  • Identify and execute design-for-manufacturability design and process improvements which have system-wide improvements to the department
  • Communicate and coordinate daily with supporting departments such as production, machining, maintenance, quality, and design engineering to ensure that quality hardware is delivered on time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of mechanical design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience (internship and project experience are applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, materials, or industrial engineering.
  • Experience designing work procedures and processes for critical aerospace hardware.
  • Experience with aerospace welding systems (e.g. electron beam, TIG)
  • Experience with non-destructive testing/non-destructive evaluation (e.g. fluorescent penetrant inspection, radiography, ultrasonic, etc.)
  • Experience with metallurgical evaluation and testing
  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to fastening, drilling, and automation
  • CAD and DWG experience (NX & Teamcenter a plus)
  • Production tooling design experience
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor
  • Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
  • Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when necessary

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Sr. Propulsion Engineer: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. 

 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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. 

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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 ITAR here.

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