Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices) Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-30

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

You will own the development, production, and operation of engine combustor hardware from concept through successful flight operations. You will drive all necessary work to develop and fly your hardware on the most advanced full flow staged combustion engine on the largest launch vehicle in history.

Responsibilities

Responsible engineer for engine combustor hardware, owning the success of design and requirements, delivery of production hardware at target throughput rates, and reliable operating performance at the integrated engine and vehicle level.
Identify, organize, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as reliability, simplification, and performance.
Own the development of combustor design and hardware from concept through testing and production while actively managing the existing fleet of hardware in operation.
Coordinate a team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities and hold teammates accountable for execution. Collaborate with engineers from other teams to design and develop hardware that meets system and high-level engine requirements.
Develop test requirements and participate in test operations early in the part life cycle to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight. Own anomaly reviews for defective hardware from comprehensive data review to complete hardware teardown.
Perform analysis on data from test and flight operations of the hardware. Iterate the results from data into improved designs, as well as make critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance in operation.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or astronautical engineering
1+ years of experience working with rocket or jet engine hardware or high-pressure fluid systems in a design, analysis, or experimental capacity

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or aeronautical/astronautical engineering.
3+ years of professional or intense academic experience working with jet or rocket engines or other high-pressure fluid systems with tight timelines and high consequences of failure.
Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, combustion processes, combustion instability, acoustics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials. Ability to apply first principles approach to quick models and estimates.
Experience designing and testing combustor injector elements and associated fluid manifolds.
Experience owning test campaigns, analyzing data and hardware to make technical decisions based on findings.
Experience with engine system operation including startup/shutdown transients and mainstage trim.
Experience designing parts and assemblies in professional CAD packages such as Siemens NX or Solidworks.
Experience designing for manufacturing and implementing designs into manufacturing process, including iterating designs based on downstream feedback.
Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
Experience owning cradle to grave projects from design conception into manufacturing and testing.
Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
Experience generating, reading, and interpreting GD&T drawings.
Professional experience completing thermal, fluid, or structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, Fluent, Star-CCM+).
Self-motivated to solve complex problems with demonstrated ability to organize and motivate a team of peers to achieve common goals.
Demonstrated ability to act with good engineering judgment and execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines.
Experience working in project teams in a professional role, or in student teams such as Rocket/Propulsion Teams, Formula/Baja SAE, or Hyperloop.

Additional Requirements

10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation

Level 1: $100,000 - $130,000
Level 2: $115,000 - $160,000
Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, and potential discretionary bonuses
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discount option
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave
3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.