Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight) Verified today
Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)
Take Raptor hardware from concept through to flight and re-flight operations. Work with engineers across the company to rapidly develop methods for airline-like operations of the highest-performing rocket engines in the world.
Responsibilities
- Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems
- Align resources and set clear accountability to accomplish key objectives at a high standard
- Enable high launch cadence through automated analysis of test and flight data; develop new algorithms to improve reliability and coverage of flight processes
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians across stage propulsion, structure, launch, testing, production, ground, software, avionics, guidance and control, mission management, and flight reliability to achieve reliable engine performance in flight and ground testing
- Serve as primary console operator during live test and flight operations
- Exercise risk-conscious decision-making under high pressure across multi-disciplinary systems
- Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system
- Represent the engine system as responsible engineer to vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative teams
- Develop test plans and analyze test results in support of test and flight operations
- Execute field walkdowns and support hardware troubleshooting
- Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes using automation and process controls
- Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility
- Balance competing priorities and multiple dynamic projects, assessing depth and accuracy needed for each task
- Drive tasks to completion with urgency and extreme ownership
- Pivot quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and depth as the program evolves
- Operate effectively in a high-stress environment
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
- 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test, and/or flight
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to perform basic analysis
- Proficiency in compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
- Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes and refining designs for robustness and autonomy
- Experience with engineering programming tools such as Python or MATLAB
- Liquid engine development experience, or experience 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
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test, flight operations, and hardware development (up to 10%)
- Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Range:
- Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
- Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Benefits include long-term incentives (company stock or long-term cash awards), discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave accrual complies with applicable law.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.