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Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship) Verified today

SpaceX · Starbase, TX · Propulsion · first seen 2026-10-20
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Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)

The Stage Responsible Engineer develops the fluid systems required for higher-performance, highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. You will develop the design, operation, and performance of stage propulsion systems on the Starship launch vehicle.

Stage propulsion systems include 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. You own overall stage propulsion system performance for each vehicle and mission.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of stage propulsion components
  • Develop and maintain thermal and 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 across all SpaceX facilities
  • Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non-conformance dispositions; 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 work; review test data; validate system performance; and provide final sign-off on system acceptance
  • 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 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 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
  • Familiarity with basic control systems concepts
  • Hands-on hardware experience in fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby)
  • Demonstrated success in rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environments; ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, customers, and management
  • 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
  • Flight hardware is built in tight quarters; physical dexterity required
  • Job duties require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand
  • Typically exposed to extreme outdoor environments: heat, cold, rain
  • Work in environment with exposure to 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.