PROPULSION ENGINEER (FALCON COMPONENTS)
Hardware with moving parts is the most likely to fail. As a propulsion components engineer, you will be ultimately responsible for the success or failure of state-of-the-art electromechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic valves and actuators that drive critical capabilities across every aspect of the Falcon vehicle (engine throttling, thrust vectoring, tank pressurization, etc.). This role is the real deal—a key enabler for ensuring continued success for SpaceX and Falcon. Component failure means likely loss of vehicle, loss of mission, and possibly loss of life. Success means extending humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our components control liquid oxygen, RP-1, TEA-TEB, helium, and nitrogen, and demand maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900°F to -400°F and pressures beyond 5,000 psig.
The Falcon program has exceeded 30 flight reuses and is operating at an unprecedented launch cadence. Components engineers play a vital role in Falcons ongoing development and success. In this role, you will work on both computer-based engineering tasks and hands-on hardware assembly and testing. Success depends on your attention to detail and technical engineering rigor.
You do not need to meet 100 of the preferred qualifications to be considered. If you meet the basic qualifications and are excited about the challenge, apply today—we want to talk!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Question the status quo and existing requirements; develop solutions to technical problems; implement design or test upgrades to improve reliability or reuse.
- Perform hands-on testing and lead root cause investigations for component and flight anomalies.
- Urgently troubleshoot critical issues at test/launch sites.
- Plan and execute component flight qualification test plans (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle, burst, etc.).
- Identify flight risks, develop mitigations, and implement solutions to ensure mission success.
- Design and analyze new fluid components for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles.
- Generate detailed drawings, specifications, and coordinate component manufacturing with SpaceX internal and external production groups.
- Work closely with partner teams all across SpaceX, from launch site to supply chain.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
- 1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical/fluid systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both.
- Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.).
- Experience with and knowledge of mechanisms, fluid control components, and test instrumentation (valves, regulators, actuators, drivetrains, pumps, engines, pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with pressurized fluid and/or gas handling systems.
- Excellent written and communication skills, organized with meticulous attention to detail.
- Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.).
- Masters degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work long hours and weekends as needed
- Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be 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 reach out to EEOCompliancespacex.com.