Sr. Manager Aerodynamics (Starship)

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. MANAGER, AERODYNAMICS (STARSHIP)

The manager of the aerodynamics will be responsible for leading the aerodynamics.  This team is responsible for assessing aerodynamic and aerothermal environments and envisioning the most performant aerodynamic design solutions for ascent and re-entry of Starship stages.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead development of outer mold line design and configuration
• Create aerodynamic databases for ascent and entry vehicles
• Chart the future of internal developed tools, commercial/NASA tools, and high performance computers for rapid and accurate estimates of aerodynamic and aerothermal environments.
• Ensure the team is involved in design from inception to post-flight data review
• Strategize on wind tunnel test planning and execution and designing wind tunnel models
• Participate in the research and development process for a new generation of rockets and spacecraft
• Assess aerothermal environments and develop thermal protection strategies
• Collaborate cross functionally with design, development, and test groups

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience mentoring or leading a team
• 5+ years of experience with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis
• 5+ years of experience coding in MATLAB or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience leading a team
• Hands-on experience in external, compressible fluid dynamics
• Previous background with translating engineering analyses into workable design solutions for flight vehicles
• Experience with Pointwise and other CFD meshing software
• Experience with NX and other CAD software for generating water-tight geometries
• Wind tunnel testing experience
• Experience in hypersonic and high temperature gas dynamics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
 
Pay Range:
Sr. Manager, Aerodynamics: $175,000.00 - $230,000.00/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.

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 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.