Propulsion Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward candidates with aerospace engineering backgrounds and a hands-on approach to mechanical and fluid system design, comfortable with tight deadlines and physical demands of hardware development.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with aerospace engineering degrees and experience in pressurized component design
    — “Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
  • Individuals with a track record in CAD modeling and structural analysis of aerospace parts
    — “Design a range of pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints
  • Engineers who can manage hardware development from concept to manufacturing and testing
    — “Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team to establish a production line

Things to consider

  • Must be physically capable of working in cramped, outdoor, and noisy environments
    — “Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
  • U.S. citizenship or residency is required due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with cryogenic systems and thermal control in aerospace applications
    — “Systems will include high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management
  • Showcase leadership in mechanical design of mission-critical parts
    — “Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design
  • Emphasize hands-on involvement in manufacturing and testing processes
    — “Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team
  • Demonstrate familiarity with FEA and GD&T for structural and design validation
    — “Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
  • Include projects involving fluid dynamics and system concept development
    — “Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation and architecture options
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Company

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • design and build fluid systems for Starship and Super Heavy vehicles
  • execute design for manufacturability changes
  • coordinate development and qualification testing
Typical background
aerospace engineeringmechanical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Fluid Systems DesignStructural AnalysisManufacturing Process ImprovementCAD Modeling

Preferred

Finite Element AnalysisSiemens NX

Stack & domain

Aerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringFluid DynamicsFinite Element AnalysisCADAerospace

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

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.

PROPULSION ENGINEER (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Systems 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 Propulsion Systems 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

1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

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

2+ 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:

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. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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