Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CABrownsville, TX
Salary: $100,000–$130,000 / yr
Posted: 41 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $167k

This role $115k

$89k most similar roles pay here $205k

This role pays less than 89% of similar roles. Most pay $141,575–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $115k versus about $167k 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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

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As a Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight), you will join the propulsion team to manage hardware from concept through flight and re-flight operations for Raptor engine systems. You will perform design, analysis, development engineering, and live test and flight operations as a primary console operator. Your daily work involves developing test plans, analyzing results, performing field walkdowns, and troubleshooting hardware while implementing automated verification processes to ensure high launch cadence and reliability. The role requires expertise in pressurized fluid systems, liquid engine development, and experience with valves or pneumatic systems. You will utilize engineering programming tools like Python and MATLAB to develop algorithms for data analysis. This position addresses the technical challenge of achieving reliable, high-performance rocket engine operations while refining designs to reduce costs and improve performance during both ground testing and active flight missions.

Skills

Propulsion Systems Thermodynamics Python MATLAB Hardware Design Control Systems Pneumatic Systems Automated Analysis Verification Processes

What you'll do

Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations for Raptor engine propulsion systems.
Automate test and flight data analysis to increase launch cadence and reliability.
Serve as the primary console operator during live test and flight operations.
Develop comprehensive test plans and analyze results to support hardware and flight missions.
Execute field walkdowns and perform hands-on hardware troubleshooting.
Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification processes through automation.
Manage vehicle-level readiness and data reviews for the engine system.
Represent the engine system as a responsible engineer to internal teams, customers, and administration.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
1+ years of experience with pressurized fluid systems.
1+ years of experience in hardware design, manufacture, assembly, test, and/or flight.
Proficiency in the principles of compressible/incompressible flow, thermodynamics, and materials.
Experience with engineering programming tools such as Python or MATLAB.
Experience with liquid engine development or pressurized fluid components like valves and pneumatic systems.
Ability to travel between Hawthorne, CA and Starbase, TX for test and flight operations.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for export control authorizations.