Propulsion Engineer (Starship) Verified today

Propulsion Engineer (Starship)

The Propulsion Systems Engineer role is responsible for developing the fluid systems to enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. You will design, analyze, and build a wide range of fluid systems across the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles.

You will size vehicle fluid systems, engage in detailed mechanical design, perform structural analysis, and drive the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Systems will include high-pressure gas storage and control, cryogenic fluid management, attitude control systems, and thermal control systems. You will also develop the concept of operations for your systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform fluids system sizing analysis to determine basic system requirements
• Transform system requirements into hardware concepts and trade implementation and architecture options
• Design pressurized and unpressurized structures and parts to enable system capability, creating original CAD models and prints
• Perform structural analysis of parts and components to ensure survivability
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Drive the first builds of flight hardware and work with a manufacturing team to establish a production line
• Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of flight hardware
• Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
• Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering physics
• 1+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team and internship experience qualifies)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 2+ years of professional experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 2+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with pressurized components (valves, regulators, tubes, pipes)
• Experience leading operation-critical part mechanical design, including structures and fluids calculations
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
• Experience with Siemens NX or similar CAD package
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Physical Requirements

Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters. You must be able to stand, kneel, crouch, twist your upper body, work in cramped positions in small openings, and climb hand over hand. You will be exposed to extreme outdoor environments including heat, cold, rain, fumes, odors, and noise. Schedule varies depending on site operational needs and flexibility to travel to remote build sites is required.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.