Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

About this role

SpaceX seeks a Propulsion Engineer to own the complete lifecycle of Raptor engine combustor hardware—from initial design through production and flight operations. You'll drive design improvements, manage manufacturing, lead test campaigns, and make critical go/no-go decisions on hardware performance for the world's most advanced full-flow staged combustion engine.

What you'll do

• Own combustor hardware design, requirements, production throughput, and reliable flight performance
• Drive design changes focused on reliability, simplification, and performance improvements
• Manage combustor development from concept through testing and production while monitoring operational fleet
• Lead informal teams across departments to meet system and engine-level requirements
• Develop test requirements, execute test operations, and conduct anomaly reviews including hardware teardown analysis
• Analyze test and flight data to iterate designs and make critical performance decisions

What they're looking for

• Combustion processes, combustion instability, and thermodynamics
• Compressible/incompressible flow and heat transfer analysis
• CAD design (Siemens NX, Solidworks) and GD&T interpretation
• Thermal/fluid/structural analysis tools (ANSYS, Fluent, Star-CCM+)
• Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for scientific computing
• Manufacturing processes (machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, assembly)
• Test campaign ownership and data analysis
• Engine system operation including transients and mainstage trim

Benefits

• Work on the most advanced full-flow staged combustion engine in production
• Ownership of high-consequence, cutting-edge propulsion hardware
• Collaborative cross-functional environment with talented engineers
• Opportunity to directly impact human Mars exploration mission