Propulsion Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation (Raptor)
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 role uses advanced non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, including phased-array and immersion ultrasonics, and integrates them with automated systems to improve manufacturing processes and enable high-rate production. The engineer develops and qualifies inspection methods, designs ultrasonic sensors and scan tooling, validates techniques, and integrates inspection equipment and automated data systems into production. The role also uses production data to improve detection and cycle time, supports process activation through technician training, and communicates risks and recommendations to manufacturing, design, and leadership teams. Flexible hours and occasional weekend support may be required, along with travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites, 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%.
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 while introducing solutions from inception and R&D through 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 with modeling, bench-top trials, and production-representative scans before committing to full-scale hardware.
- Drive 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 that track to the program schedule.
- Present risk, 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.
- Provide occasional weekend support as needed and 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.
- Up to 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation.
- 10 or more paid holidays per year.
- Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy, satisfying or exceeding applicable accrual, carryover, and use requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
