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.

DRAGON 2 PROPULSION ENGINEER Work on the world’s most advanced manned spacecraft along with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers, who are tackling difficult problems and pushing the boundaries of rocketry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop (design, analyze, build, and test) propulsion engines, fluid components (i.e., valves, instrumentation, etc.), tanks/pressure vessels, and/or fluid systems for the Dragon spacecraft
• Own critical spacecraft propulsion hardware/systems, as every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
• Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into the fleet of Dragon spacecraft that is revolutionizing access to space

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 1 year of experience with design (CAD), analysis (structural and fluids), and materials

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Strong understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components
• Experienced in NX 8.5 or other CAD packages (PTC Creo, CATIA) with a solid understanding and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994
• Proficient in basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and electrical circuits
• Professional or project experience with FEMAP, ANSYS, or similar finite element analysis (FEA) software tools, as well as good understanding of fatigue, fracture, and crack propagation
• Knowledge of metallic and fluid system manufacturing techniques, processes, equipment, and other processes such as machining, electron beam welding, orbital tube welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
• Good understanding and experience working with aerospace materials (metals, plastics, composites)
• Solid understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principals and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations even with partial information
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends, as needed
• Able to travel to remote sites in Texas, Florida, and Central California as needed
• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.