Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Starship) Verified today

Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Starship)

You will develop the fluid systems that enable high-performance and highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role covers designing, analyzing, and building fluid systems across the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles.

Your responsibilities include sizing vehicle fluid systems, detailed mechanical design, structural analysis, and driving the manufacturing and build flow of parts and systems. Systems you will work on 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 these systems, from acceptance testing to in-flight operations.

What you will do

• 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, 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 manufacturing teams to establish production lines
• 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
• 4+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience

Preferred skills and experience

• 4+ years of professional experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 4+ years of experience with GD&T concepts
• Experience with fluid dynamics, finite element, or related computer-based modeling
• Experience with pressurized components such as valves, regulators, tubes, and 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 packages
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Working conditions

You must be able to work extended hours and weekends as necessary. Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required. Your job duties may require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting your upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand. You will be exposed to extreme outdoor environments including heat, cold, and rain, and to work environments with fumes, odors, and noise. Schedule varies depending on site operational needs and you must be flexible to travel to remote build sites.

ITAR requirement

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.