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SpaceX · 2 hours ago

Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Development and Hardware)

Hawthorne, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$95K/yr - $115K/yr

1+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Propulsion Engineer will ensure flightworthiness of engine hardware and software, lead development and qualification test campaigns, and drive initiatives to maintain the reliability of the Falcon launch vehicle.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Own critical spaceflight hardware

Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns as we continually extend qualified engine life

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Merlin engine propulsion systems

Interact with engineers and technicians from all disciplines, including production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), flight and ground software, mission management, flight reliability, and more

Work closely with commercial and governmental customers to ensure 100% mission success

Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under pressure

Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls

Work closely with the launch sites to develop and improve critical inspection procedures

Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware and rapidly push them to resolution while simultaneously implementing corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence

Practice flexible prioritization and scope management in order to deliver on group directives

Qualification

Rocket engine developmentCAD designCombustion devicesManufacturing processesAnalytical programmingEngineering lifecycle experienceTeam collaborationCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing

1+ years of academic or professional experience with combustion devices or rocket engine development

1+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

Willing to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware

Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Preferred

Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering

Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, combustion, structural and fracture mechanics, and materials

Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)

Full engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)

Experience making risk evaluations and/or supporting root cause investigations

Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, etc.)

Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS strongly preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable

Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers