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. PROPULSION ANALYST, STRUCTURES (RAPTOR)
Raptor structural analysts ensure that the world's most advanced rocket engine is capable of withstanding extreme pressures, temperatures, vibrations, accelerations, and aerodynamic loading from liftoff to landing. These engineers have a keen eye for detail and complex physics that enable successful performance of Starship's engines. If you possess an affinity for physics, structural mechanics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges while occasionally working with engine hardware, this role may be for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct, document, and present static, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses on the Raptor engine through FEA and first principles to ensure performance requirements are met
- Output requirements and capabilities for engine/stage interfaces for all phases of flight
- Collaborate in driving necessary analyses throughout engine component design cycles
- Ensure model predictions are grounded in reality through a practical hands-on approach
- Seek out and evaluate state-of-the-art analysis techniques and tools
- Work closely with hardware and test teams to drive model anchoring and design improvements
- Mentor new employees
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline
- 5+ years of professional experience in structural, thermal, and finite element analysis
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Proficient in statics, mechanics of materials, fatigue, dynamics, and heat transfer
- Experience with FEA setup and post-processing
- Experience with commercial tools, such as Ansys, Abaqus, or Nastran
- Perform hand-calculations to validate and improve models
- Able to debug simulations and programs
- Prior experience in the aerospace industry and familiarity with aerospace standards
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to deliver on schedule
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Propulsion Analyst/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.
Top Skills
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
