Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Hardware Development)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION ENGINEER (MERLIN HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT)

As a Merlin Propulsion Engineer you will own engine hardware and software from first build through acceptance test flight and re-flight. You will drive design process and operational changes that improve Merlin reliability producibility and performanceand help Falcon scale production and flight rate without sacrificing the flight heritage that made it the worlds most reliable launch vehicle. On any given week you might be hands-on with the engine in a design or test review briefing a customer or closing an anomaly investigation before the next launch.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the Responsible Engineer for a Merlin engine component or system where you will be the primary technical point of contact for your hardware through the complete life cycle
• Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations
• Design analyze produce and operate Merlin propulsion hardware and systems across development and flight operations
• Partner with engineers and technicians across production test launch avionics GNC (guidance navigation & control) software mission management and flight reliability to deliver flight-ready engines
• Resolve day-to-day production test and launch issues by getting hands-on with the hardware
• Brief commercial and government customers on hardware changes and issues as a technical authority for mission success
• Make sound risk-informed decisions under time pressure including during test and launch campaigns
• Implement and maintain hardware and software verification and validation using automation and process controls that scale with flight rate
• Develop and improve engine maintenance procedures with the launch site and test teams to improve hardware readiness and reduce turnaround time
• Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware drive rapid resolution and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Build tools especially while leveraging AI to automate analysis reduce repetitive work and speed up engineering decisions
• Run multiple concurrent projects prioritizing against program milestones and business needs while maintaining excellent attention to detail

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1 years of academic or professional hands-on experience performing fabrication assembly and/or testing
• 1 years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
• 1 years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine development
• Strong foundation in fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible) thermodynamics combustion structures/fracture mechanics and materialsand the judgment to apply them to real hardware decisions.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe welding castings additive etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
• Experience across the full engineering lifecyclefrom design trade and CAD through manufacturing test qualification production and flight/operations.
• Experience performing risk assessments or supporting timely closure of root-cause investigations
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python Matlab etc.)
• Experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS preferred Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
• Comfortable briefing senior leadership and external customers on technical risk and hardware status
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians engineers and managers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both internal and external customers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel in support of testing launching and maintenance of engine hardware (up to 10%)
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when production test or launch timelines require it

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100000.00 - $117500.00
Level 2: $115000.00 - $140000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage access to a 401(k) retirement plan short and long-term disability insurance life insurance paid parental leave and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual carryover and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national origin/ethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.