Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Propulsion Thermal Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor components subject to extreme environments from liftoff to landing. These engineers possess an affinity for physics, thermodynamics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware. You will drive analysis, design, testing, and development of hardware for the world’s most advanced rocket engine powering Starship, the largest launch vehicle in history.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
• 2+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post-processing
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench
• Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
• Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues

Responsibilities

• Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight
• Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, production, development test, launch, reliability and more to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives
• Take a practical, hands-on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified

Benefits

• long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
• potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• short and long-term disability insurance
• life insurance
• paid parental leave
• various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• paid sick leave

What This Job Offers

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