Propulsion Engineer, Additive (Raptor)

PROPULSION ENGINEER, ADDITIVE (RAPTOR)

The Additive Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for design, development, and testing of all facets of the additive process with a focus on machines, software, part design and analysis, and additive techniques.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive and identify projects to make the printer platforms more robust and repeatable based on machine issues, failed builds, and sensor monitoring/in process data acquisition
• Be an active contributor within a team of engineers who perform the design, development, and testing of all facets of the additive process using powder-bed and powder-fed approaches
• Continually identify and implement process improvement efforts on every step of the additive process
• Advise and collaborate with the design team to incorporate and optimize features for additive manufacturing
• Generate/optimize build files to produce high quality parts in minimum time with maximum consistency
• Work with materials engineers to investigate properties, geometric accuracy, and surface finish results to develop optimal print parameters, heat treatments, and design allowable for existing and new alloys
• Develop and maintain systems to efficiently collect and analyze process data while minimizing collection/entry burden
• Develop and document best practices on new equipment and processes
• Identify and implement safety improvements throughout the additive manufacturing process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline
• 1+ years of  professional hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and/or project management experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical, or mechanical engineering
• Experience with operating additive machines, including parameter development and process control
• Experience with trouble shooting/repairing machines.
• Knowledge of various additive and subtractive manufacturing and joining techniques for metals
• Solid understanding of optics and lasers
• Knowledge of relevant aerospace design and test specifications, such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5009, AIAA-S-080, and NASA-STD-5017
• Familiarity with common engineering materials properties (strength, life, thermal, fluid compatibility etc.) and processing attributes particularly for titanium or nickel-based alloys
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals
• Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits
• Hands-on experience with aerospace component or fluid system testing, including pressure, hot-fire, and environmental testing
• Excellent communication skills and ability to succinctly present recommendations
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment
• Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year       
Propulsion 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 & 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.