Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle… at SpaceX · Hawthorne

Summary: SpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies for human exploration of Mars. They are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for the Raptor combustion chamber and nozzle, ensuring high production throughput and quality standards. 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 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 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 Preferred Qualifications: - 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 Required Skills: Manufacturing process development for complex metallic components, Machining, Brazing, Welding, Forming, Tube bending, Structural assembly, Engineering drawings interpretation, Design for manufacturability (DFM), Data acquisition systems, Statistical process control, Predictive analytics, Machine learning models for defect reduction Benefits: Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, 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, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays per year, Paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy