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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Starship)

RemoteRemoteFull TimeSeniorPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

aerospace engineering
manufacturing engineering
materials engineering
mechanical engineering
engineering physics
fluid systems
high-pressure gas storage
cryogenic fluid management
attitude control systems
thermal control systems

Nice to have

concept of operations
manufacturing team
production line
pressurized components
valves
regulators

Role summary

The Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Starship) role focuses on developing high-performance, manufacturable fluid systems for interplanetary vehicles like Starship and Super Heavy. Responsibilities include designing, analyzing, and building various fluid systems such as high-pressure gas, cryogenic management, attitude control, and thermal control. The engineer will perform system sizing, detailed mechanical design, structural analysis, and drive manufacturing processes. This includes creating CAD models, ensuring component survivability, enhancing production efficiency, coordinating testing, and participating in design reviews. The role requires a Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant engineering field and at least 4 years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience.

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Sr. Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building a wide range of fluid systems across the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles.

The role includes sizing vehicle fluid systems, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Systems will include high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management, attitude control systems, and thermal control systems. The Sr. Propulsion Engineer will also develop the concept of operations for their systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform fluids system sizing analysis to determine basic system requirements

Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation and architecture options

Design a range of pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints

Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure survivability

Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team to establish a production line

Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware

Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers

Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or engineering physics

4+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

4+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering

4+ years of experience with GD&T concepts

Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling

Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)

Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations and design considerations

Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages

Experience with Siemens NX or other similar CAD package

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand

Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Flexibility to travel to remote build sites

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.

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