Join SpaceX as a Sr. Aerodynamics Engineer to predict aerodynamics for Starship missions and support vehicle design efforts.
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Visa
- Sponsorship available
Joblaze summary
The Sr. Aerodynamics Engineer at SpaceX plays a crucial role in predicting the aerodynamic and aerothermal conditions that the Starship and its booster encounter throughout their missions. This position requires expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), with proficiency in tools like Siemens STAR-CCM+ and programming in languages such as Java, MATLAB, or Python. Ideal candidates possess a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, along with significant experience in aerodynamic analysis and experimental testing. The role is suited for seasoned professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on advancing space exploration.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about a month ago on Joblaze — tracked directly from SpaceX's career page.
- SpaceX has 1882 other open roles including Quality Specialist, Precision Machining (Starlink) - Level 4/5, Software Engineer, High Performance Computing, Software Engineer, Product Development (Starshield).
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Quick facts
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Aerodynamics Engineer (Starship) role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Siemens STAR-CCM+, Java, DPLR, Python, FUN3D, Loci/CHEM.
- Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
- Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
- What seniority level is this role?
- SpaceX targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Sr. Aerodynamics Engineer (Starship) role at SpaceX.
From the original posting
SpaceX 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 SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER (STARSHIP)
The Starship Aerodynamics team is responsible for predicting the aerodynamics and aerothermal environments booster and ship experience during all phases of their missions. Aerodynamics engineers use engineering models, simulations and wind-tunnel testing in order to provide the most accurate predictions ahead of flight validation. The team works closely with the GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) team in order to enable them to safely land and recover both Starship stages once their mission is accomplished. Moreover the team supports engineers responsible for vehicle structures during their design efforts. Aerodynamics engineers are expected to have a clear understanding of the flow fields experienced by our vehicles through the various flight regimes, from subsonic through hypersonic, and apply this understanding while they operate our prediction tools.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare, mesh, run, and post process CFD models
- Review post-flight data and compare to pre-flight estimates
- Interface with responsible engineers, providing them inputs to their designs and ensuring they have a clear understanding of the physical phenomena they are dealing with
- Write code and scripts in a variety of languages, making sure they share common interfaces and can be part of a mostly automated workflow
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- Experience with Siemens STAR-CCM+ and developing scripts in Java for it
- Experience with solvers used by NASA for entry vehicles, e.g. FUN3D, Loci/CHEM, DPLR
- Experimental testing experience
- Data processing and analysis in MATLAB or Python
- Experience with Siemens NX
- Experience with thermal protection systems
- Strong background in external, compressible fluid dynamics
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
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.