Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

SpaceX•McGregor, TX

About The Position

The Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test) ensures Raptor engines and components are tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. The role specializes in designing and executing development tests for Raptor engines on an accelerated schedule, offering diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Engineers work on the Raptor full-flow staged-combustion engine and support SpaceX’s goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
At least 1 year of hands-on testing experience; experience from internships, clubs, or other hands-on extracurricular activities qualifies.
Ability to use test instrumentation and control components, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, and solenoid valves.
Ability to solve problems requiring technical analysis.
Ability to read and understand technical manuals, reports, and mechanical and electrical schematics.
Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters, requiring physical dexterity.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Ability to work in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise, and occasional work in extreme outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, and rain.
Flexibility to work hours that vary according to site operational needs.
Must meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Experience in production and test systems.
Hands-on experience in a test or production facility, factory, or laboratory.
Mechanical aptitude and experience.
Demonstrated quick thinking and problem solving in situations where they play a critical role.
Knowledge or experience in aerospace structural, mechanical, or propulsion systems assembly and testing.
Knowledge of hazardous systems, including cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, and pyrophoric systems.
Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling.
Experience using test instrumentation and control components.
Intermediate skill with Windows operating systems.
Intermediate skill with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and OneNote.
Novice skill in CAD modeling, preferably Unigraphics NX, and Teamcenter.
Novice-to-intermediate skill in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and SQL.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute engine- and component-level tests to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during missions.
Own repeated test campaigns, including creating test plans, activating new systems, conducting test operations, reviewing data, and designing or fabricating test-stand equipment.
Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians fabricating and integrating 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, primarily using National Instruments-based DAQ systems.
Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems involving low- to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants, including high-pressure nitrogen, methane, and cryogenics, as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
Operate mechanical systems, including test-stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, and tubing.
Automate repetitive test operations to improve efficiency and safety.
Develop processes that expand testing capability and rates while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Identify system pitfalls and potential hazards, characterize anomalies, and collaborate with design engineers on improvements to test stands and flight hardware.
Operate the test console and direct technicians in executing test processes.
Analyze and review data using numerical analysis tools to verify hardware operation and interpret test results.
Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing processes, collaborating with design engineers to improve hardware.
Support resource management, including planning, parts, coordination, skilled-labor coordination, and process verification.