SpaceX · 1 day ago
Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Turbomachinery)
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$125K/yr - $175K/yr
5+ years expSpaceX is a company dedicated to developing technologies for space exploration, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. The Sr. Propulsion Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and production support of the Merlin Turbopump, ensuring its reliability and integration with various teams. This role involves collaboration with engineers and manufacturers to optimize turbopump performance and support ongoing improvements.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Support build, test, and flight of Merlin Turbopumps for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy reusable launch vehicles
Review and/or update detailed mechanical analysis on all the turbopump components/systems, and confirm that they meet the required standards for life and reliability targets
Work with other engineers to ensure rotordynamics/bearings and other mechanical elements (seals etc.) are correctly defined and implemented or perform analysis as needed
Work with designers to support accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, and ensure that these drawings are correct and able to be manufactured with the available processes (or develop process to enable them)
Ensure that detailed layouts and stack-ups are up to date and ensure all the correct build clearances and fits are set such that the turbopump can be assembled and run correctly
Work with manufacturing engineers and external suppliers to ensure Turbopump and key sub-assemblies are manufactured correctly and efficiently
Work with teams developing other systems on the engine (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure optimal Turbump integration, and that risks are minimized across the engine
Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during testing or flight operations
Support ongoing design, manufacturing or reliability improvements to Merlin turbomachinery
Support M1D and MVacD engine test teams for development, qualification, and production engines
Support launch and refurbishment teams on-site to ensure reliability during continued engine reuse
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
5+ years of experience related to turbomachinery or rocket engine development
Willingness to travel in support of testing (McGregor, TX), launching, and refurbishing (Cape Canaveral, FL and Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA) (~15% of year)
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
Preferred
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Background in turbomachinery design (aero/hydro, CFD, stress analysis, HCF, LCF)
Hands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware build
Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturability
Experience with turbomachinery testing and engine testing
Understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics and/or materials
Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS strongly preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
Great attitude in the face of extreme technical and schedule challenges
Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
Full engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
Demonstrated track record of excellent academic and professional achievement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers
Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule, without sacrificing safety or reliability
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
Oman Observer
2026-01-25
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2026-01-23
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