Propulsion Components Design Engineer (Falcon)

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 COMPONENTS DESIGN ENGINEER (FALCON)

As a Propulsion Components Engineer, you will be ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the valves, actuators, and other fluid control devices on Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. This role is a key part of why SpaceX is successful. Component failure means likely loss of vehicle, loss of mission, and possibly loss of life. Success means extending humanity’s reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Our components control liquid oxygen, RP-1, TEA-TEB, helium, nitrogen; and are critical to enabling every single Falcon mission. We design and build valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900F to -400F and pressures beyond 5,000 Pounds per Square Inch Gauge.

Propulsion Components Engineers take full ownership over their hardware: urgently troubleshooting issues at test/launch sites, performing hands-on testing to inform development or root cause investigations, implementing design or test upgrades to improve reliability or reuse, and relentlessly questioning requirements and status quo. The Falcon program is rapidly approaching 30+ flight reuse and is operating at a groundbreaking launch cadence. Components engineers play a key role in the ongoing development and continued success of Falcon. You are fluent in both computer-based engineering work and hands-on hardware assembly and testing.

You do not need to meet 100% of the preferred qualifications to be considered. We encourage anyone who meets the basic qualifications and is interested in the role to apply – we are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to join our team, and want the opportunity to talk to you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Question status quo and existing requirements, develop solutions to technical problems, enable Falcon reuse and launch cadence
• Plan and execute component flight qualification test plans (e.g. vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle, burst, etc.)
• Lead the charge in troubleshooting and performing root cause investigation of component and flight anomalies
• Identify flight risks, develop mitigations, and implement solutions to ensure mission success
• Design and analyze new fluid components for the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles
• Generate detailed drawings, specifications, and coordinate component manufacturing with SpaceX internal and external production groups

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (can be in a professional, academic, or entrepreneurial)
• 1+ years of experience with CAD or FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, or entrepreneurial)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design-Build-Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.)
• Experience with and knowledge of mechanisms, fluid control components, and test instrumentation (valves, regulators, actuators, drivetrains, pumps, engines, pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with pressurized fluid and/or gas handling systems
• Excellent written and communication skills, organized with meticulous attention to detail
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Excel, etc.)
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work long hours and weekends as needed
• Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:          

Propulsion Components Design Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year            

Propulsion Components Design Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.