About this role
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.
SR. PROPULSION THERMAL ANALYST (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)
The Propulsion Thermal Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor components subject to extreme environments from liftoff to landing. These engineers possess an affinity for physics, thermodynamics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware. You will drive analysis, design, testing, and development of hardware for the world’s most advanced rocket engine powering Starship, the largest launch vehicle in history.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight
• Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, production, development test, launch, reliability and more to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives
• Take a practical, hands-on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data
• Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
• 4+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
• 6+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post-processing
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench
• Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
• Hands-on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
• Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Propulsion Analyst/Senior: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
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