Manufacturing Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)
$100,000–$135,000 year
On-site · Hawthorne, California, United States
Job Summary
Manufacturing Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor) at SpaceX focuses on designing, implementing, and scaling CNC machining processes for the Raptor engine's combustion chamber and nozzle, including multi-axis milling and turning, precision finishing of regenerative cooling channels, and in-process metrology. The role involves developing and optimizing CNC programs, tool paths, and machining strategies using CAM software and offline programming, integrating closed-loop CNC control and real-time monitoring, building data pipelines for telemetry and SPC/ML analyses, designing fixtures and fixtures, owning CNC software infrastructure (post-processors, macros, simulations, and digital twins), and collaborating with propulsion design, materials, and production teams to translate new designs into repeatable processes. It emphasizes driving continuous improvement to reduce cycle times, increase first-pass yield, and scale CNC capacity for high-rate Starship production. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS include physical stamina for long hours on the shop floor, travel up to 10%, and flexible hours aligned with production schedules. ITAR requirements restrict employment to U.S. citizens/national, permanent residents, or those eligible to obtain authorizations. The compensation ranges provided reflect two levels (Level I and Level II) with annual salaries between $100,000-$115,000 and $110,000-$135,000 respectively, plus benefits and incentives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of hands-on experience with CNC machining and programming for metallic components
- Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with CAM software, G-code, and CNC controllers
- Demonstrated success deploying multi-axis CNC processes and in-process metrology in production environments
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment with aggressive schedules
- Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment
- Direct experience CNC machining rocket engine chambers, nozzles, or regeneratively cooled hardware
- Expertise in 5-axis CNC milling, high-speed machining, and precision finishing of high-performance alloys
- Experience with CAM software, digital twins, post-processor development, and integrating CNC machines into production lines
- Familiarity with metrology and non-destructive evaluation tied to machined features (CMM, structured light, ultrasonic)
- Knowledge of statistical process control, GD&T, and data-driven methods for CNC quality prediction
- Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM) with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production
- Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and communication skills
- Must be able stand for long durations and work directly with hardware on the floor
- Must be willing 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
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