Propulsion Systems Engineer, Raptor Engine Feedline (Starship)

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

PROPULSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER, RAPTOR ENGINE FEEDLINE (STARSHIP)

The Propulsion Systems Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and building feedline system to feed Raptor engines on Starship, the longest and technically the most challenging feedline system ever designed in the history of space!

The role includes sizing vehicle feedline components, engaging in detailed mechanical design, performing structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. The Propulsion Systems Engineer will develop the concept of operations for their systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• A tremendously immersive, fast-paced environment - you'll be expected to own large business outcomes and experience a rate of personal and professional growth that is unmatched literally anywhere else
• Responsible for the design, development, and testing of feedline systems that feed liquid methane and liquid oxygen into Raptor engines through all phases of the flight
• Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure the feed system's survivability
• Develop 3D models and release associated drawings, design documentation, and reports
• Work closely with the fluid team to define loads and implement them in the analysis
• Work closely with the manufacturing and build team to make sure designs are suitable for mass production and to resolve any issues that arise during manufacturing
• Responsible for optimizing feed system components design for mass and cost
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical or structural design, analysis, modeling, and drafting (competition team or intern experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years of professional experience in the field of aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD package
• Familiarity with cryogenic fluid mechanics and heat transfer analysis
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes, etc.)
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information (strong understanding of engineering fundamentals)
• Experience working at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based at Starbase, Texas (Brownsville/South Padre Island area), and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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.

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