Propulsion Thermal Analyst; Raptor Combustion Devices

Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

Location:

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X develops technology to enable human life on Mars.

Propulsion Thermal Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor components from liftoff to landing. Engineers possess an affinity for physics, thermodynamics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight.
• Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians across disciplines to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives.
• Take a practical, hands‑on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data.
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, ensuring changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (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 thermal analysis.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post-processing.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench.
• Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks.
• Hands‑on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems.
• Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay range:

Level I: $95,000.00 - $ per year

Level II: $ - $ per year

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 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. Paid vacation 3 weeks; paid holidays 10+ per year.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.