Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)
$100,000–$130,000 year
On-siteHawthorne, California, United States
Job Summary
Conduct design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems, aligning resources to set high standards of excellence. Enable high launch cadence through automated analysis of test and flight data, developing algorithms to improve reliability. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineers to achieve successful engine performance, supporting live test operations as a primary console operator. Execute walkdowns, support hardware troubleshooting, and implement rigorous verification processes while fully owning critical spaceflight hardware. Balance competing priorities with extreme ownership, pivoting quickly to meet shifting program needs in a high-stress environment. Travel between Hawthorne, CA, and Starbase, TX, up to 10%, and work extended hours as required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
- 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight
- Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development – up to 10%
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee (or eligible for required authorizations)
- Must be able to operate in a high-stress environment with grit and endurance
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
- Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
- Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
- Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Liquid engine development experience, or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and pneumatic systems
- Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
- Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
- Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems
- Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems
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