Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)
$100,000–$135,000 year
On-site · Hawthorne, California, United States
Job Summary
Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (RAPTOR) at SpaceX focused on designing, deploying, and scaling automated manufacturing systems for Raptor engine chambers and nozzles. Owns process control, in-situ monitoring, data pipelines for telemetry and defect reduction, and fixture design for tight tolerances. Builds robust automation software with version control, collaborates with propulsion design and production teams to improve manufacturability and reliability, and supports high-volume, high-precision fabrication in a fast-paced environment. Key skills include Python scripting, PLC and industrial automation, robotics, machine vision, GD&T, digital thread concepts, and experience with large-scale data for predictive analytics and SPC. Must be able to stand for long durations, work extended hours, and travel ~10% for launches and tests. ITAR-compliant eligibility required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience automating manufacturing processes for metallic components
- Strong programming skills in Python
- Experience with industrial automation (PLC, LabVIEW, Beckhoff, Siemens, Fanuc, ABB, Kuka)
- Demonstrated experience with robotic systems, machine vision, or real-time process control in manufacturing
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment
- Ability to work with technicians, engineers, and managers on integrated teams
- Direct experience with rocket engine chamber or nozzle manufacturing (regeneratively cooled hardware highly desired)
- Expertise in machining, welding, precision assembly, or heat treatments
- Background in non-destructive inspection automation and closed-loop quality control
- Experience with large-scale data collection from manufacturing processes and building predictive models for defect detection or process optimization
- Knowledge of GD&T, precision metrology, and digital thread concepts
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- 10% travel in support of launch and test of hardware
- Flexibility in working hours to production and launch cadence
- Must stand for long durations and work directly with hardware on the floor
- Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing
Additional Requirements
- ITAR REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee or eligible to obtain required authorizations per U.S. Department of State
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