Propulsion Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation (Raptor)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is hiring a Propulsion Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation to ensure the structural integrity and reliability of the Raptor Engine. Based at the Hawthorne facility, the engineer will use non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods—including phased-array and immersion ultrasonics—and integrate them with automated systems to improve manufacturing processes, enable high-rate production, and support mission success.

The role spans development and qualification of inspection methods, design and integration of ultrasonic inspection hardware and tooling, collaboration on part inspectability and production data evaluation, and deployment of automated systems for inspection, data storage, and reporting. The engineer will validate techniques before full-scale implementation, define qualification and production-cut-in criteria, troubleshoot inspection cells, improve performance using production scan data, and train technicians as methods are introduced into production. The position requires flexible hours and occasional weekend support, and travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed, up to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, physics, or computer science.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with non-destructive evaluation techniques and processes.
• Ability to work flexible hours and provide occasional weekend support as needed.
• Ability to travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed, up to 25%.
• Must meet U.S. Government export regulation requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of NDE techniques such as phased-array ultrasonic testing, immersion ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and digital radiography testing.
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and mathematical optimization.
• Understanding of hardware and software development and validation processes.
• Familiarity with JIRA or similar task/feature tracking systems.
• Knowledge of automation and controls.
• Experience with software and automation coding, including LabVIEW, Python, C#, or SQL.
• Ability to multitask across technology development, project management, and training through the introduction of multiple production solutions, from inception and R&D to full-volume production.
• Experience with problem-solving tools and techniques such as Practical Problem Solving and 8D.

Responsibilities

• Develop NDE inspection methods from feasibility through production cut-in, including sensors, scan development, software, and qualification.
• Design and prototype ultrasonic sensor systems, scan setups, and part tooling to meet coverage, sensitivity, and cycle-time requirements.
• Partner with responsible engineers on inspection requirements, designing parts for inspectability, method selection, and evaluation of production data.
• Validate new techniques through modeling, bench-top trials, and production-representative scans before committing to full-scale hardware.
• Manage vendors, tooling, and automation from requirements and procurement through on-site installation, integration, and commissioning.
• Build and deploy automated evaluation, data storage, and reporting pipelines that link inspection results to work orders.
• Define integration test plans, qualification evidence, and production-cut-in criteria aligned with the program schedule.
• Present risks, performance, and recommendations to manufacturing, design, and leadership.
• Debug hardware and software interactions at the inspection cell during development and production.
• Use production scan data to improve detection performance, reduce cycle time, and eliminate false calls and escapes.
• Train production technicians on new inspection methods and support them through process activation.
• Work flexible hours and provide occasional weekend support as needed.
• Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed, up to 25%.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level