Turbomachinery Engineer (Merlin) at SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA, 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.
TURBOMACHINERY ENGINEER (MERLIN)
As a Merlin Turbomachinery Engineer, you will own all aspects of ongoing Merlin turbopump design, development, qualification, and production support. In this role, you will utilize your strong technical knowledge of turbomachinery as well as your ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the various pump sub systems to ensure maximum reliability of the Merlin engine. You will fully integrate with the Merlin development, refurb, and flight operations teams as we fly commercial, national security, and crewed missions at a pace of 50+ flights per year.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support build, test, and flight of Merlin turbopump s for SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy reusable launch vehicles
Review and/or update detailed mechanical analysis on all the turbopump components/systems, and confirm that they meet the required standards for life and reliability targets
Work with other engineers to ensure rotordynamics/bearings and other mechanical elements (i.e. seals) are correctly defined and implemented or perform analysis as needed
Work with designers to support accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, and ensure that these drawings are correct and able to be manufactured with the available processes (or develop process to enable them)
Ensure that detailed layouts and stack-ups are up to date and ensure all the correct build clearances and fits are set such that the turbopump can be assembled and run correctly
Work with manufacturing engineers to ensure turbopump and key sub-assemblies are manufactured correctly and efficiently
Work with teams developing other systems on the engine (i.e. combustion devices, valves) to ensure optimal turbopump integration, and that risks are minimized across the engine
Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during testing or flight operations
Support ongoing design, manufacturing or reliability improvements to Merlin turbomachinery
Support M1D and MVacD engine test teams for development, qualification, and production engines
Support launch and refurbishment teams on-site to ensure reliability during continued engine reuse
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
3+ years of academic or professional experience related to turbomachinery or rocket engine development
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Master's degree in an engineering discipline
Background in turbomachinery design (aero/hydro, CFD, stress analysis, HCF, LCF)
Hands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware build
Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturability
Experience with turbomachinery testing and engine testing
Understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics and/or materials
Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS strongly preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
Great attitude in the face of extreme technical and schedule challenges
Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
Full engineering lifecycle experience (design trade, CAD design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, qualification, production, reuse)
Demonstrated track record of excellent academic and professional achievement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers
Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule, without sacrificing safety or reliability
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willingness to travel to various SpaceX sites in support of testing, launching, and refurbishing (~15% of year)
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
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.
