Propulsion Systems Specialist

3 weeks ago

Hawthorne, California, United States SpaceX Full time

Job Summary

SpaceX is seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Engineer to join our Merlin Flight Operations team. As a Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the flightworthiness of Merlin engine hardware and software over the life cycle of the engine.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Merlin engine and its operation
  • Make critical decisions for the processing of Merlin engine hardware during build, test, integration, and flight to ensure 100% mission success
  • Define, implement, and validate engine acceptance and operational requirements to promote reliability, rapid reusability, and streamlined processing of engines
  • Take on primary responsibility for the success of Merlin engine(s) for a given test or launch campaign
  • Support test and launch operations across all SpaceX facilities, including live on-console support from mission control
  • Perform post-test and post-flight data reviews, and provide technical recommendations to Vehicle Maintenance team to enable rapid, reliable reuse of hardware
  • Solve undefined and multi-disciplinary problems, interfacing with engineering and technician teams from all disciplines across SpaceX
  • Work closely with commercial and government customers to drive down technical debt, mitigate flight risks, and ensure maximum hardware and software reliability
  • Lead engine anomaly investigations and drive these investigations to resolution
  • Develop new automation capabilities to enable extreme launch cadence – leverage coding for rapid test and flight data analysis, flight software verification, and other engineering processes and eliminate recurring work
  • Optimize recurring test and mission tasks to enable an increasingly demanding launch manifest

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience working with engines or fluid systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
  • Analytical/scientific programming experience
  • Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
  • Experience in collaborative coding within version-controlled repositories (i.e., Git)
  • Experience with Python
  • Proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
  • Basic familiarity with liquid propellant rocket engine cycles, liquid propellant launch vehicle fluid systems, and components used in launch vehicle fluid systems
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
  • Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)
  • Experience testing liquid propellant rocket engines and/or working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems
  • Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations
  • Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment – ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
  • Profound sense of personal ownership and extreme accountability
  • Ability to think clearly and communicate concisely in high-pressure, time-critical situations
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
  • Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges

Additional Requirements

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Must be willing to travel in support of test and launch operations
  • Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg AFB

Compensation and Benefits

SpaceX offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including long-term incentives, company stock, stock options, and potential discretionary bonuses. 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.

Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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.

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