Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

Space Exploration Technologies•Mcgregor, TX

37d•Onsite

About The Position

The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests for Raptor engine testing on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Raptor Test Engineers have the opportunity to work on one of the world's most complex engines to date, a full flow staged combustion engine! Join the team and our journey to Mars and we solve new challenges presented by unknown frontiers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering or physics
1+ years of hands-on testing experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
Experience in production and test systems
Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
Mechanical aptitude and experience
Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves
Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
Knowledge of hazardous systems- cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling
Experience using test instrumentation and control components
Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred) and Teamcenter, Novice skill level
NI Labview, Novice-Intermediate skill level
Matlab, Novice-Intermediate skill level

Responsibilities

Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication.
Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based.
Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
Operate test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes.
Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
Act as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc.