Propulsion Engineer; M1D Refurbishment

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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.

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.

• 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 Space
  
  X 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.

• 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.

• 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 Power
  
  BI.
• Master's degree in aeronautical/astronautical and/or mechanical engineering.
• In‑depth understanding of the basic principles of compressible and in compressible 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…