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SpaceX · 1 day ago

Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Flight Operations)

Hawthorne, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$95K/yr - $115K/yr

1+ years exp

SpaceX is a pioneering company focused on enabling human life on Mars through advanced technologies. The Propulsion Engineer will ensure the flightworthiness of Merlin engine hardware and software, supporting test and launch operations and driving initiatives for reliability and reusability of engines.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Merlin engine and its operation

Make critical decisions for the processing of Merlin engine hardware during build, test, integration, and flight to ensure 100% mission success

Define, implement, and validate engine acceptance and operational requirements to promote reliability, rapid reusability, and streamlined processing of engines

Take on primary responsibility for the success of Merlin engine(s) for a given test or launch campaign

Support test and launch operations across all SpaceX facilities, including live on-console support from mission control

Perform post-test and post-flight data reviews, and provide technical recommendations to Vehicle Maintenance team to enable rapid, reliable reuse of hardware

Solve undefined and multi-disciplinary problems, interfacing with engineering and technician teams from all disciplines across SpaceX (e.g., production, test, launch, stage propulsion, avionics, structures, guidance, navigation & control, thermal and fluid analysis, flight and ground software, mission management, flight reliability, etc.)

Work closely with commercial and government customers to drive down technical debt, mitigate flight risks, and ensure maximum hardware and software reliability

Lead engine anomaly investigations and drive these investigations to resolution

Develop new automation capabilities to enable extreme launch cadence – leverage coding for rapid test and flight data analysis, flight software verification, and other engineering processes and eliminate recurring work

Optimize recurring test and mission tasks to enable an increasingly demanding launch manifest

Qualification

Mechanical engineeringFluid systemsPythonAnalytical programmingHands-on hardware experienceLiquid propellant systemsCommunicationCritical thinkingProblem-solvingAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of experience working with engines or fluid systems

Preferred

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

Analytical/scientific programming experience

Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing

Experience in collaborative coding within version-controlled repositories (i.e., Git)

Experience with Python

Proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials

Basic familiarity with liquid propellant rocket engine cycles, liquid propellant launch vehicle fluid systems, and components used in launch vehicle fluid systems

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management

Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)

Experience testing liquid propellant rocket engines and/or working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems

Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations

Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment - ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines

Profound sense of personal ownership and extreme accountability

Ability to think clearly and communicate concisely in high-pressure, time-critical situations

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail

Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges