Propulsion Design Engineer, Engine Systems (Raptor)

PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER, ENGINE SYSTEMS (RAPTOR) 

As a Propulsion Design Engineer within the Raptor Systems organization, you will play a critical role in supporting the development and production of one of the most advanced rocket engines in the world. You will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and managing engine assemblies, parts, and interfaces to ensure the success of the Raptor engine. You will help define future engine architectures that achieve our goal of rapidly reusability to enable humanity’s journey to Mars. This role requires a strong background in CAD, structural design knowledge, familiarity with fluid systems, and an ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own portions of Raptor engine hardware and engine to vehicle interfaces, ensuring success from concept design to flight implementation
• Manage the design and development of engine modifications and guide future versions of the engine through the Raptor change system
• Design and release Raptor engine parts, assemblies, and vehicle integration hardware including engine interfaces, and thermal protection systems (TPS)
• Generate detailed production drawings fully dimensioned with GD&T verified to meet functional requirements and tolerance stack-ups
• Perform preliminary structural analysis using ANSYS and hand calculations
• Ensure systems-level functionality and compatibility of the Raptor engine and vehicle systems by defining top-level requirements and confirming that they are met
• Interface with manufacturing, development, and test teams to ensure hardware is manufacturable and meets design intent
• Investigate and resolve hardware issues. Implement design changes to improve reliability, performance, and manufacturability
• Document and maintain up-to-date CAD models and engineering documentation for engine configurations and interfaces
• Participate in and hold design reviews and provide technical input to optimize design solutions
• Support testing and production by coordinating with fabrication teams, addressing issues in real-time, and making necessary updates to drawings and models

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience working with fluid systems/structural design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies
• 1+ years of system/component ownership or project management experience
• 1+ years of experience implementing GT&T in production drawings
• 3+ years of professional 3D CAD design experience
• 3+ years of professional finite element analysis (FEA) experience
• Ability to design parts, tooling, and test fixtures for rocket engine hardware
• Familiarity with high-strength, oxidation-resistant, and propellant-compatible materials for cryogenic and high-temperature environments
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as turning, milling, drilling, brazing, welding, forming, forging, casting, and 3D printing
• Understanding of mechanical seals, threaded fasteners, high-pressure fluid tubing systems, and aerospace hardware standards
• Basic understanding of NDT techniques and design for ease of inspection
• Experience supporting testing and integration of propulsion hardware
• Proficiency in NX, Teamcenter, and ANSYS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware

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 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.