Develop test requirements and participate in test operations early in the part life cycle to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight. Own anomaly reviews for defective hardware from comprehensive data review to complete hardware teardown.
Perform analysis on data from test and flight operations of the hardware. Iterate the results from data into improved designs, as well as make critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance in operation.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or astronautical engineering
1+ years of experience working with rocket or jet engine hardware or high-pressure fluid systems in a design, analysis, or experimental capacity
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or aeronautical/astronautical engineering.
3+ years of professional or intense academic experience working with jet or rocket engines or other high-pressure fluid systems with tight timelines and high consequences of failure.
Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, combustion processes, combustion instability, acoustics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials. Ability to apply first principles approach to quick models and estimates.
Experience designing and testing combustor injector elements and associated fluid manifolds.
Experience owning test campaigns, analyzing data and hardware to make technical decisions based on findings.
Experience with engine system operation including startup/shutdown transients and mainstage trim.
Experience designing parts and assemblies in professional CAD packages such as Siemens NX or Solidworks.
Experience designing for manufacturing and implementing designs into manufacturing process, including iterating designs based on downstream feedback
Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
Experience owning cradle to grave projects from design conception into manufacturing and testing.
Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
Experience generating, reading, and interpreting GD&T drawings.
Professional experience completing thermal, fluid, or structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, Fluent, Star-CCM+).
Self-motivated to solve complex problems with demonstrated ability to organize and motivate a team of peers to achieve common goals.
Demonstrated ability to act with good engineering judgment and execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines
Experience working in project teams in a professional role, or in student teams such as Rocket/Propulsion Teams, Formula/Baja SAE, or Hyperloop.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay Range
- Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
- Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
