Propulsion Engineer, Components Manufacturing (Raptor)
About The Position
The Propulsion Engineer on SpaceX’s Raptor Components team develops manufacturing and integration processes for engine control components and assemblies. The role works across hardware disciplines—including pneumatics, mechanical, electrical, and software—to support streamlined manufacturing and reliable engine operation. Engineers design, analyze, build, test, and support components intended to perform in extreme thermal, pressure, and vibration environments. The position owns the relationship between assigned hardware and suppliers, customers, and test teams, and leads projects from development through production and flight readiness. It contributes to vehicle architecture trades and supports design and flight readiness for Starship. This is a hands-on role involving direct work with hardware on the production floor, with possible occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- At least 1 year of experience with engine, fluid, or system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test; internship or project team experience applies.
- Able to stand for long durations and work directly with hardware on the floor.
- Comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
- Must meet SpaceX’s ITAR eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Nice To Haves
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience with liquid rocket engines, spacecraft systems, or pressurized fluid systems.
- Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM), with demonstrated success taking products through development, testing, and production.
- Understanding of fundamental principles in fluid systems, solid mechanics, or electrical systems.
- Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
- Track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environment.
- Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop manufacturing and integration processes for components and assemblies in the Raptor engine family.
- Question requirements, eliminate parts and processes, simplify and optimize work, and accelerate and automate component deliveries.
- Conceptualize, demonstrate, and complete innovative manufacturing processes that support high-rate production targets.
- Challenge processes, parts, and operations while working with design and development engineers to improve manufacturability and reliability.
- Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions, often multiple at a time.
- Maintain holistic ownership of the production line, including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety.
- Lead root-cause investigations arising in development, production, test, integration, and launch; implement corrective actions and proactively address hardware issues.
- Coordinate peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization; assign responsibilities, motivate teammates, and hold them accountable for execution.
- Interface with internal fabrication shops and vendors to meet production goals.
- Work with production teams to deliver assigned hardware on time or ahead of schedule.
- Own relationships between assigned hardware and suppliers, customers, and test teams.
- Provide input into vehicle architecture trades and take a lead role in design and flight readiness for Starship.
Benefits
- Potential 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
