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SpaceX · 10 hours ago

Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

McGregor, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Sr. Propulsion Engineer is responsible for testing and qualifying Raptor engines and components for flight conditions, while tackling diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission

Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication

Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment

Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software

Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based

Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high-pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure

Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc

Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety

Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety

Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware

Operate test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes

Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results

Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware

Act as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringTest Systems ExperienceData Acquisition SystemsFluid Systems KnowledgeHigh Pressure SystemsTest InstrumentationCAD ModelingTechnical AnalysisTechnical Manual ReadingMicrosoft OfficeWindows Operating SystemsMatlabNI LabviewProblem SolvingTeam Collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering or physics

7+ years of hands-on testing experience

Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required

Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)

Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise

Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)

Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

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

Preferred

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience

Experience in production and test systems

Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience

Mechanical aptitude and experience

Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role

Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing

Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves

Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis

Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports

Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics

Knowledge of hazardous systems- cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric

Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling

Experience using test instrumentation and control components

Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level

CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred) and Teamcenter, Novice skill level

NI Labview, Novice-Intermediate skill level

Matlab, Novice-Intermediate skill level