PROPULSION ENGINEER (M1D REFURBISHMENT)

The M1D Refurb team is responsible for the successful and efficient flight and re-flight of the Merlin 1D engines in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This team owns all the processes related to the qualification, inspection, and servicing of the engines to enable a rapid launch cadence. The engineers on this team are highly motivated and interdisciplinary, with a focus in integration, test, manufacturing, and fluid systems, but with working knowledge and relationships with avionics, flight software, GNC, stage propulsion systems, thermal and structural analysis. Engineers on this team are responsible for maintenance process specifications and master planning documents, fleet configuration management, hardware troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, flight readiness, pre-operation system checkouts, and post-operation data review. Each team member will also have the opportunity to be the responsible engineer for a Merlin engine subsystem or component. This team fosters a culture of high accountability, being proactive, and always being willing to help each other and other teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop integration, manufacturing, and test processes for flown Merlin engines. Drive continual improvements for future builds to enable reliable and timely refurbishment of M1D engines.
• Own critical flight hardware, systems, and/or processes – every employee at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware and the success of the mission
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls
• Work closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and test/launch sites to process flown M1D hardware
• Troubleshoot ground and flight operational issues, develop and verify hardware and software modifications to address as required
• Manage engine fleet configuration as design improvements are implemented
• Support engine test and flight operations, and perform detailed post-operation data review

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing - can be in a professional, academic, or recreational setting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Liquid rocket engine development and/or operational experience, and/or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
• Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
• Experience with NX or other solid modeling software and with generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Software/coding experience with Python, SQL, or PowerBI
• Master’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical and/or mechanical engineering
• In-depth understanding of the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Ability to make appropriate assumptions and perform trade studies and basic analysis using first principles and engineering fundamentals
• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to handle high levels of responsibility and demonstrate appropriate accountability
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
• Familiarity with vehicle test and flight operation processes, common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers/RTD’s)
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment - ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
• Experience certifying commercial products for governmental use
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional travel to SpaceX launch and test sites in support of refurbishment, launching, and testing of engine hardware
• Occasional flexibility in working hours to support test and launch cadence

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay Range:    
Propulsion Engineer /Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year    
Propulsion 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.