Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle Manufacturing (Raptor)

The role

You will design, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles. This role combines propulsion engineering with manufacturing process development and data-driven production to increase throughput and reduce cycle times.

What you will do

• Own the fabrication, processes, and assembly of Raptor thrust chamber and nozzle extension hardware.
• Create and refine manufacturing strategies, work instructions, custom fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for statistical process control, predictive analytics, and machine learning models.
• Partner with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams to convert designs into scalable processes.
• Maintain ownership of the production line including process consistency, quality, capital equipment, ergonomics, safety, and facility layouts.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineers and technicians to support high-rate production, test, and launch operations.
• Own manufacturing software, documentation, simulation, version control, and process standardization.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1 + years of hands-on experience with manufacturing process development for complex metallic components.
• Must be able to 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.

Nice to have

• 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.

Benefits

• Company stock or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave

Before you apply

• 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 eligibl

About the company

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make human life on Mars possible.