Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) Verified today
About the role
The Stage Responsible Engineer develops fluid systems for Starship, SpaceX's interplanetary launch vehicle. You own the design, operation, and performance of all stage propulsion systems: propellant feed systems, propellant management, helium pressurization, pneumatic systems, autogenous pressurization, differential pressure measurement, engine ignition gas supply, environmental control, and attitude control. You are accountable for overall stage propulsion system performance for each vehicle and mission.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance for stage propulsion components
- Develop and maintain thermal and fluid models of stage propulsion systems
- Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration and execution
- Support production, test, and launch operations across SpaceX facilities
- Review and approve stage system checkouts, non-conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections before shipment or test
- Generate and maintain stage test plans, fully support all stage testing operations including on-console work, review test data, validate performance, and sign off system acceptance
- Review and approve stage systems launch procedures, integration instructions, anomaly resolutions, and flight software
- Support all major launch operations as directed by the launch director
- Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead 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 understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flow
- Knowledge of statics and mechanics of materials
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Experience with pressurized fluid systems and components: pneumatic systems, cryogenic systems, pressure control devices, valves, diffusers, and fittings
- Experience testing rocket stage or engine propulsion systems
- Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations
- Familiarity with aerospace instrumentation such as pressure transducers and RTDs
- Basic understanding of control systems
- Hands-on hardware experience in fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
- Track record of success in rapidly growing, technical environments with ability to work in scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present recommendations clearly
- Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB
- Strong desire to mentor and develop direct reports
Additional requirements
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Physical dexterity required for work in tight quarters on flight hardware
- Ability to perform job duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, working in cramped positions and climbing
- Exposure to extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, rain
- Work performed in environments with fumes, odors, and noise
- Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Flexibility to travel to remote build sites
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.