Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Integration)

SpaceX • Starbase, TX, TX

6h

About The Position

The Raptor Fleet Operations team manages Raptor engines from the time they leave the Hawthorne factory until they fly. The team applies lessons from flight and engine testing across the fleet to enable rapid design iteration, and will develop processes to maintain a large fleet of engines for continuous reuse. The Propulsion Engineer develops fleet-maintenance processes and serves as a technical interface between hardware and the RE teams. The role involves work across varied work centers and development of integration and test processes for current and next-generation engines. Engineers are expected to bring strong engineering intuition, critical thinking, and system-level expertise, and to work under tight deadlines with loosely defined requirements and minimal oversight.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• At least 1 year of hands-on engineering experience; design team experience and previous internships qualify.
• Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights up to 300 feet while using proper PPE.
• Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches.
• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites when needed, up to 20%.
• Must meet the stated U.S. government export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Systems engineering experience and ability to understand multidisciplinary integrated systems.
• Experience creating, reading, and interpreting electrical and fluid schematics.
• Experience integrating and testing propulsion and/or electrical systems.
• Experience planning and executing complex test operations.
• Experience developing test software or automation.
• Experience writing test plans and procedures and providing go/no-go judgments with rationale.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and diagnostic efforts for engine issues in the field.
• Support integration and testing of R&D hardware to inform future designs and improve engine performance and reliability.
• Manage changes and upgrades to a large fleet of engines.
• Develop standards and processes to increase reliability and reduce process time.
• Author work instructions for both nominal and off-nominal engine work.
• Interface with design, build, and systems engineering teams, as well as production leadership and field technicians.
• Contribute to development of the Raptor production line and provide feedback to design engineering to maximize efficiency and minimize cost per ton to orbit.

What This Job Offers

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