Sr. Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (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.

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER, CHAMBER AND NOZZLE (RAPTOR)

As a Raptor engineer at SpaceX you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop hardware at the cutting edge of space technology. You will work on the engines that will ultimately extend humanity’s reach beyond the earth and moon. In this role, you will be the engineer responsible for the rapid manufacture and integration of parts, processes, and assemblies used on our next generation vehicles, providing input to both design/development and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own parts, processes, and assemblies within Raptor thrust chamber and nozzle extension manufacturing
• Work closely with design/development engineers and fabrications shops (internal and external) to build and assemble parts
• Develop manufacturing and test processes and procedures, including layouts of production facilities
• Ensure that all parts are fabricated or purchased at the correct rate to facilitate the Raptor build schedule
• Own tool design and development
• Resolve nonconformance and manufacturing discrepancies by interfacing with cross-functional teams
• Manage the transition of prototype parts from development to production
• Drive continual improvements for future builds and designs
• Identify, coordinate, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as simplification, reliability, and performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, welding, forming, tube bending, and structural assembly
• Understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
• Experience generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks against an aggressive schedule
• Self-motivated to drive continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges
• Highly detail oriented with excellent organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware (up to 10%)
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support production and launch cadence

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 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 i