Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT)

The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware from concept through to flight (and re-flight) operations, and everything in between. Pursue all processes necessary to effectively and safely prepare and fly world-changing launch vehicles. Work with brilliant, passionate engineers to rapidly develop methods to achieve airline-like operations for the highest performing rocket engines in the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for Raptor engine propulsion systems
• Align resources to accomplish key objectives; assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at the high standard of excellence
• Enable high launch cadence with unparalleled reliability through automated analysis of test and flight data; expand existing capabilities and develop new algorithms to improve reliability and thoroughness of all flight processes
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians from most engineering disciplines, including stage propulsion, structure, launch, testing, production, ground, software, avionics, guidance and control, mission management, flight reliability, etc. to achieve successful and reliable engine performance in flight and during ground testing, and to continuously refine the designs and practices for increased reliability and reduced costs
• Support live test and flight operations in role of primary console operator
• Exercise risk-conscious decision-making skills under high pressure, across multi-disciplinary systems
• Support vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system
• Represent engine system in role of a responsible engineer to the rest of the vehicle, ground, customer, and administrative disciplines
• Develop test plans, and analyze test results in support of test and flight operations
• Execute walkdowns, and support hardware troubleshooting in the field
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through practical application of automation and process controls
• Fully own critical spaceflight hardware with profound responsibility
• Balance competing priorities and several dynamic projects simultaneously, while assessing level of depth/accuracy needed for each task
• Push tasks to complete closure, with a burning sense of urgency and extreme ownership
• Ability to pivot and adapt quickly to changes in direction, schedule, priority, and/or level of depth as needed, to stay aligned with program’s shifting needs
• Operate in high-stress environment with grit and endurance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems
• 1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test and/or flight

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials
• Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes, and refining the designs and operations to achieve robustness and autonomy
• Experience with engineering programming tools (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Liquid engine development experience, or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and pneumatic systems
• Experience operating in a rapidly growing, changing and technical environment
• Ability to act and execute in a scrappy and entrepreneurial manner
• Familiarity with Starship engine and propulsion systems
• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX in support of test and flight operations and hardware development – up to 10%
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed