Serve as the Responsible Engineer for a Merlin engine component or system, where you will be the primary technical point of contact for your hardware through the complete life cycle
Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations
Design, analyze, produce, and operate Merlin propulsion hardware and systems across development and flight operations
Partner with engineers and technicians across production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), software, mission management, and flight reliability to deliver flight-ready engines
Resolve day-to-day production, test, and launch issues by getting hands-on with the hardware
Brief commercial and government customers on hardware changes and issues as a technical authority for mission success
Make sound, risk-informed decisions under time pressure, including during test and launch campaigns
Implement and maintain hardware and software verification and validation using automation and process controls that scale with flight rate
Develop and improve engine maintenance procedures with the launch site and test teams to improve hardware readiness and reduce turnaround time
Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware, drive rapid resolution, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
Build tools, especially while leveraging AI, to automate analysis, reduce repetitive work, and speed up engineering decisions
Run multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing against program milestones and business needs while maintaining excellent attention to detail
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or physics
1+ years of academic or professional hands-on experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
1+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
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1+ years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine development
Strong foundation in fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible), thermodynamics, combustion, structures/fracture mechanics, and materials—and the judgment to apply them to real hardware decisions.
Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
Experience across the full engineering lifecycle—from design trade and CAD through manufacturing, test, qualification, production, and flight/operations.
Experience performing risk assessments or supporting timely closure of root-cause investigations
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 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. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
About SpaceX
Aerospace & Defense51-200Founded 2002
Aerospace manufacturer and launch services provider designing advanced rockets and spacecraft with the goal of making life multiplanetary.
