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 the 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 enable you to lead the engine development cycle, encompassing 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 with hardware, fluids, operations, structures, GNC, software, and teams across both Raptor and Starship.

Responsibilities:

• Own system-level processes and operations critical to overall engine function from design and build through testing and flight
• Establish 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 possible
• Communicate 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 rate
• Ownership of system through flight, including data review, reuse, and on-console support as needed
• Drive 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 version
• Developing test requirements and participating in test operations to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight
• Being directly in involved in leading development testing on-site at the McGregor and/or Starbase test facility
• Developing 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 flight
• Be able to perform risk-conscious decision-making under pressure
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude in the face of technical and non-technical challenges
• Be proactive and flexible to changes in department/company strategy

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics, heat transfer, and structural design in demanding environments
• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline
• 2+ years working in multidisciplinary teams, projects, or programs in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Demonstrated ability at successfully troubleshooting/resolving hardware test issues or flight anomalies from analyzing test data
• Experience in a test operational role for multiple test articles (engines, components, etc.)
• Familiarity with a CAD package like Siemens NX
• Experience with executing high quality work in a highly technical yet fast-moving environment with tight timelines and aggressive schedules
• Experience with systems-level engine modeling

Additional Requirements:

• Willing to travel in support of test and launch operations
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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.