Mechanical Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be the owner and responsible engineer (RE) for critical Combustion Devices hardware. You will be overall responsible for design, analysis, development, testing, and production for your part. In this role, you will utilize your knowledge of structures, materials, fluid systems, manufacturing techniques, and analysis to ensure rapid production and maximum component reliability. You will collaborate with engineers and technicians to seamlessly integrate your hardware into the engine architecture. You will also work closely with development, production, test, and flight operations teams as we produce and fly Raptor, the most advanced rocket engine on Earth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ownership of Raptor Combustion Devices hardware, including overall responsibility for all aspects of design, analysis, delivery at target production rates, development, and flight
• Lead new and ongoing design and process improvements for current and future Raptor concepts
• Lead the resolution of issues or anomalies encountered during manufacturing, testing, or flight of your part
• Generate accurate, precise, and thoughtfully dimensioned CAD models and drawings, with a keen awareness of design for manufacturing/assembly (DFMA)
• Perform and/or review detailed structural, thermal, and fluid analyses on all aspects of your hardware, and confirm that they meet requirements for Raptor life, performance, and reliability
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing, and reliability improvements to your part, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified
• Support Raptor engine test teams throughout development and acceptance engine testing
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, analysis, production, development, test, launch, and reliability to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
• 1+ years of professional experience related to the development of propulsion technologies (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
• 2+ years of academic or professional experience related to mechanical design or analysis of complex systems
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and GD&T
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, structures, and metallic material science
• Full engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
• Basic understanding of structural analysis techniques and first-principles
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. Proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
• Experience with finite element analysis software pre/post-processing (ANSYS preferred)
• Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule, without sacrificing safety or reliability

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel up to 10% in support of hardware testing and launch operations
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:   

Pay range:   

Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year   

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.