Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)

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.

PROPULSION ENGINEER, STAGE SYSTEMS (STARSHIP)

The Stage Responsible Engineer (Stage RE) develops the fluid systems required to enable higher-performance, highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role develops the design, operation, and performance of the stage propulsion systems on the Starship launch vehicle. The stage propulsion systems include all propellant feed systems, propellant management systems, helium pressurization systems, pneumatic systems, autogenous pressurization systems, differential pressure measurement systems, engine ignition gas supply systems, environmental control systems, and attitude control systems integrated into each stage of the vehicle. The Stage RE owns overall stage propulsion system performance for each vehicle and mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of the associated components for the systems above

• Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of the stage propulsion systems

• Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and stage systems mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration, implementation, and execution

• Support production, test, and launch operations as needed across all SpaceX facilities

• Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non-conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test

• Generate and maintain all stage test plans; fully support all stage testing operations (including on-console operations); review stage test data; validate stage system performance; and provide final sign-off on system acceptance prior to shipment to the launch pad

• Review and approve stage systems launch procedures, final integration instructions, anomaly resolutions, and flight software

• Fully support all major launch operations, as directed by the launch director

• Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead any stage-related flight anomaly resolutions and corrective actions 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering

• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering field 

• Strong first principles understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flow 

• Proficient knowledge of statics and mechanics of materials 

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail 

• Experience working with pressurized fluid systems and components, suc