Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Salary
$100,000–$115,000 / yr
Posted
today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $149k
This role $108k
$91k most similar roles pay here $180k

This role pays less than 91% of similar roles. Most pay $128,300–$170,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $108k versus about $149k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

SpaceX is hiring a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to join the Raptor team, focusing on developing automated manufacturing processes for the combustion chamber and nozzle of the Raptor engine. This role involves designing and implementing robotic process automation, smart factory initiatives, and data pipelines that capture real-time telemetry for predictive analytics and machine learning models. Key responsibilities include building fixture solutions, material handling systems, and maintaining rigorous testing protocols to ensure system reliability and safety. The ideal candidate has experience with Python scripting, PLC logic, and industrial automation tools like LabVIEW, Beckhoff, Siemens, Fanuc, ABB, and Kuka. They should also have a background in rocket engine manufacturing, particularly regeneratively cooled hardware, and expertise in machining, welding, precision assembly, and heat treatments.

What you'll do

  • Develop and deploy automated manufacturing systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles.
  • Implement process control and in-situ monitoring for specialized manufacturing processes.
  • Build data pipelines to capture manufacturing telemetry for statistical analysis and predictive models.
  • Design fixture solutions that support precise assembly of chamber and nozzle components.
  • Script continuous improvement initiatives using Python, PLC logic, and advanced process modeling.

What we're looking for

  • 1+ years of experience automating manufacturing processes for metallic components.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation systems (PLC, LabVIEW).
  • Demonstrated experience with robotic systems, machine vision, or real-time process control.
  • Expertise in machining, welding, precision assembly, or heat treatments.
  • Background in non-destructive inspection automation and closed-loop quality control.

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