Propulsion Design Engineer (Starlink) at SpaceX
Redmond, WA, United States
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.
PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is developing the world's largest constellation of low earth orbit satellites to bring low latency, broadband internet to underserved populations across the globe. The Starlink Propulsion Engineering team is responsible for the development (design, analysis, build, and test) and operation of the most highly produced electric propulsion system in history.
As a member of the Starlink Propulsion Team, you will be responsible for the success of the propulsion system and components in development and production. This is a multi-functional role that near term will require more focus on design and will grow to require more blend of all responsibilities of the team. The ideal candidate should have prior applied experience with detailed product design with an interest in expanding their skillsets beyond design.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own design and analysis of flight parts, build tools, and inspection fixtures to support the electric propulsion system and components (thruster, valves, propellant feed & storage) in production
Provide ongoing design support for parts in production to release and incorporate changes with engineering change notices (ECN) to improve reliability and production
Collaborate with electric propulsion development engineers on the team as well as other engineering teams to ensure effective engineering change management
Serve as technical interface with manufacturing vendors and internal production & integration to address issues as they arise and incorporate design-for-manufacturing improvements
Manage engineering bill of materials (BOM) as well as review approval for build planning engineering masters (EM) and work orders (WO)
Anticipate needed analyses, define environments, and provide input throughout the design cycle
Use hand calculations and finite element analyses (FEA) to assess and optimize designs for flight
Generate detailed part production drawings fully dimensioned with GD&T and supported by tolerance analysis
Analyze and review test and flight data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected
Develop and execute qualification test plans to ensure readiness for flight (vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years using CAD for design and FEA for analysis
1+ years of hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Strong experience designing parts & assemblies with CAD software (e.g. NX, SolidWorks, Creo, etc.)
Experience conducting detailed analysis with FEA software (e.g. ANSYS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, etc.)
Prior analytical programming experience (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Excel, etc.)
Interest in learning and gaining experience with test and flight operations
Familiarity and/or experience in electrical or in-space propulsion
Familiarity with high pressure aerospace fluid systems including seals, tubing, and fittings
Interest in working at a nimble engineering organization that requires a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with time and budget constraints
Excellent oral and written communication skills
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
