Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery; Starship

Overview

Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbo machinery (Starship) — Hawthorne, CA

Space

X was founded with the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Space

X is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars.

AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER, TURBO MACHINERY (STARSHIP)

An engineer in this role will lead the design, development, and qualification of rotating and stationary flow path components for turbo machinery applications at Space

X, taking designs from concept to flight or other operations. Success requires strong technical knowledge of turbo machinery, coupled aero/hydro and mechanical design, and broad turbo machinery system understanding, with the ability to collaborate with a wider team of specialists. The role emphasizes aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and tight schedules.

• Design, build, and test turbopump pumps and/or turbines for Starship propulsion systems
• Own critical turbo machinery components and hardware
• Perform aero/hydro sizing and flow path design/analysis for turbopumps and other turbo machinery in spacecraft systems
• Ensure detailed mechanical analysis of turbopump components/systems, reviewed and meeting life and reliability targets
• Collaborate with designers to prepare accurate models and drawings for turbopump assemblies and components; ensure manufacturability with available processes (or develop a process to enable them)
• Interface with production teams to translate designs into flight hardware
• Collaborate with teams developing other systems (e.g., combustion devices, valves) to ensure integrated and balanced turbo machinery design
• Support component and assembly testing, define test configurations/processes, review results
• Lead the resolution of turbopump issues during development/qualification testing
• Support ongoing design improvements and manufacturing improvements to reduce cost and lead time

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• 3+ years of professional experience in the design of turbo machinery components
• Experience with commercial analysis software (structural and fluids)

• Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• Strong understanding of turbo machinery aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and mechanical design
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and in compressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials
• Hands-on experience with turbo machinery hardware build
• Experience with manufacturability-focused turbo machinery design and turbo machinery testing/engine testing
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS
• Solid engineering fundamentals with ability to perform basic analysis
• Adaptable and capable of working under tight schedules and challenging environments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in agile, high-velocity engineering environments with scrappy, entrepreneurial execution
• Ability to deliver against aggressive schedules

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
• Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing PPE

Pay range:
Turbo machinery Engineer/Level I: $95,000 - $115,000 per year
Turbo machinery Engineer/Level II: $110,000 - $130,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of total rewards, which may include long-term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) plan, medical/vision/dental, life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation and holidays, and other perks. Sick leave accrual follows company policy.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants seeking reasonable accommodation may contact

Export Regulation Notice ITAR-related information is provided as part of the job posting where applicable.