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.
PROPULSION ENGINEER, CHAMBER AND NOZZLE MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR)
SpaceX is seeking an engineer to focus on manufacturing the world’s most powerful combustion chamber and nozzle. These components feature some of the most complex geometries in rocket propulsion — including intricate regenerative cooling channels, thin-walled high-temperature alloys, and tight-tolerance surfaces that must survive extreme thermal and pressure cycles across hundreds of reuse cycles.
You will design, implement, and scale manufacturing processes that increase production throughput, improve dimensional accuracy and repeatability, and reduce cycle times while maintaining the extreme quality required for Starship. This role combines propulsion engineering knowledge with manufacturing process development and data-driven production. Your work will directly enable rapid iteration and high-volume production of Raptor chambers and nozzles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own the fabrication, processes, and assembly of Raptor thrust chamber and nozzle extension hardware, including development and optimization of manufacturing methods for fabrication, joining, finishing, and verification.
- Create and refine manufacturing strategies, work instructions, custom fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions for complex components.
- Build and maintain data pipelines that capture manufacturing telemetry to enable statistical process control, predictive analytics, and machine learning models for defect reduction and process optimization.
- Partner closely with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams to convert new designs into robust, scalable processes, resolve nonconformances, and drive design changes that improve manufacturability, reliability, and performance.
- Maintain holistic ownership of the production line, including process consistency, quality, capital equipment, ergonomics, safety, facility layouts, and the introduction of new products and revisions.
- Challenge existing processes daily while collaborating with multi-disciplinary engineers and technicians to support high-rate production, on-time delivery, test, and launch operations.
- Own manufacturing software, documentation, simulation, version control, and process standardization; interface with internal and external fabrication, automation, and materials teams to meet production goals.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing process development for complex metallic components.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
- Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, brazing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
- Understanding of test methods/setups and data acquisition systems.
- Experience generating, reading, and interpreting engineering drawings.
- Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM) with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production.
- Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor.
- Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
- 10% travel in support of launch and test of hardware.
- Flexibility in working hours to production and launch cadence.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
