Propulsion Design Engineer (Starship)

PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Design Engineer is responsible for developing flight hardware to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing and building a wide range of fluid systems across the Starship vehicle such as propellant tanks, high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management, attitude control systems, and thermal control systems.

The role includes sizing vehicle fluid systems, engaging in detailed mechanical design, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. You will be empowered to make real-time decisions, solve complex problems on the fly, and own end-to-end processes. The role will require the readiness to develop subject matter expertise in design for manufacturability, specifically those related to fluid system tubing, sheet metal, and subassembly design and fabrication. If you are ready to be a hardware owner, eager to get out from behind a desk, and be hands-on working alongside a world-class production team, this may be the right role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design propulsion fluid systems and metallic structures under accelerated timelines
• Review specifications, schematics, and other engineering data to develop hardware concepts and trade implementation/architecture options
• Design a range of pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints
• Update designs and drawings through engineering change orders to support SpaceX's rapid pace of design iteration
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles
• Create detailed component and assembly drawings incorporating an understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design and drafting experience (including internships, student project teams, or personal projects)
• Experience with 3D CAD software (NX, Solidworks, etc)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Solid understanding and application of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups
• Hands-on experience working in school club or project teams designing hardware in a highly constrained system under defined timelines
• Familiarity with fluid systems, sheet metal design, and welded structures
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
• Ability to manage large assembly models and drawings
• Ability to work and communicate well in an integrated team including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and leadership
• Creative problem solver that can bring multiple disciplines together to achieve buy-in for a unified design direction
• Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication and documentation skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Willing to travel to various SpaceX sites (up to 25%)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Propulsion Design Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Propulsion Design Engineer/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.