Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)
Responsibilities
- Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight
- Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, production, development test, launch, reliability and more to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives
- Take a practical, hands-on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data
- Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
- 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
- 2+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post-processing
- Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench
- Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
- Hands-on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
- Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues
Pay Range
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
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.