Sr. Propulsion Engineer; Merlin Development and Hardware

Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Development and Hardware)

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. PROPULSION ENGINEER (MERLIN DEVELOPMENT AND HARDWARE)

Merlin Propulsion Engineers are responsible for ensuring flight worthiness of engine hardware and software throughout the life cycle—from initial build, through acceptance testing, and into flight (and re-flight) operations. You will exercise extreme ownership over engine hardware and drive all processes necessary to increase engine life as we continue to push the bounds of reusability. Additionally, you will be responsible for driving reliability-improving and rate-enabling initiatives to maintain the long-term success of Falcon as the most-flown, most-reliable launch vehicle in existence.

• Own critical spaceflight hardware
• Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns as we continually extend qualified engine life
• Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Merlin engine propulsion systems
• Interact with engineers and technicians from all disciplines, including production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), flight and ground software, mission management, flight reliability, and more
• Work closely with commercial and governmental customers to ensure 100% mission success
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls
• Work closely with the launch sites to develop and improve critical inspection procedures
• Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware and rapidly push them to resolution while simultaneously implementing corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence
• Practice flexible prioritization and scope management in order to deliver on group directives

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of hands‑on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
• 5+ years of academic or professional experience with combustion devices or rocket engine development
• 5+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and in compressible flow, thermodynamics, combustion, structural and fracture mechanics, and materials
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
• Full engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
• Experience making risk evaluations and/or supporting root cause investigations
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS strongly preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers

• Willing to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Pay Range:

Propulsion Engineer/Senior: $ - $/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  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…