Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Engine Refurb) 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.
PROPULSION ENGINEER (MERLIN ENGINE REFURB)
The M1D Refurb team is responsible for the successful and efficient flight and re-flight of the Merlin 1D engines in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This team owns all the processes related to the qualification, inspection, and servicing of the engines to enable a rapid launch cadence. The engineers on this team are highly motivated and interdisciplinary, with a focus in integration, test, manufacturing, and fluid systems, but with working knowledge and relationships with avionics, flight software, GNC, stage propulsion systems, thermal and structural analysis. Engineers on this team are responsible for maintenance process specifications and master planning documents, fleet configuration management, hardware troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, flight readiness, pre-operation system checkouts, and post-operation data review. Each team member will also have the opportunity to be the responsible engineer for a Merlin engine subsystem or component. This team fosters a culture of high accountability, being proactive, and always being willing to help each other and other teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop integration, manufacturing, and test processes for flown Merlin engines. Drive continual improvements for future builds to enable reliable and timely refurbishment of M1D engines
Own critical flight hardware, systems, and/or processes - every employee at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware and the success of the mission
Implement and maintain rigorous hardware verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls
Work closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and test/launch sites to process flown M1D hardware
Troubleshoot ground and flight operational issues, develop and verify hardware and software modifications to address as required
Manage engine fleet configuration as design improvements are implemented
Support engine test and flight operations, and perform detailed post-operation data review
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing - can be in a professional, academic, or recreational setting
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Liquid rocket engine development and/or operational experience, and/or experience working with pressurized fluid components such as valves and/or pneumatic systems
Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, welding, tube bending, structural assembly, etc
Experience with NX or other solid modeling software and with generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings.
Software/coding experience with Python, SQL, or PowerBI
Master's degree in aeronautical/astronautical and/or mechanical engineering
In-depth understanding of the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
Ability to make appropriate assumptions and perform trade studies and basic analysis using first principles and engineering fundamentals
Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
Ability to handle high levels of responsibility and demonstrate appropriate accountability
Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customer, and management
Familiarity with vehicle test and flight operation processes, common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers/RTD's)
Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment - ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
Experience certifying commercial products for governmental use
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Occasional travel to SpaceX launch and test sites in support of refurbishment, launching, and testing of engine hardware
Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
Occasional flexibility in working hours to support test and launch cadence
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.
