SpaceXAerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship)
Design, develop, and qualify turbomachinery components for Starship propulsion systems, requiring strong turbomachinery knowledge.
AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER, TURBOMACHINERY (STARSHIP)
An engineer in this role will lead the design, development, and qualification of rotating and stationary flow path components for multiple turbomachinery applications at SpaceX, taking the designs from initial concept to flight or other operations. Being successful in this role will require a strong technical knowledge of turbomachinery, coupled aero/hydro and mechanical design, and a broader turbomachinery system understanding as well as the ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the various sub-systems. Ensuring that turbomachinery solutions are developed with aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and on an aggressive schedule is also key to success.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, build, and test turbopump pumps and/or turbines for Starship propulsion systems
- Own critical turbomachinery components, as every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware
- Perform the aero/hydro sizing and flow path design and analysis work for the turbopumps and other turbomachinery for spacecraft systems
- Ensure that detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all the turbopump components/systems, reviewed, and meets the required standards for life and reliability targets
- Work with designers to prepare accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, ensure that these drawings are correct and manufacturable with the available processes (or develop a process to enable them)Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into flight hardware that is revolutionizing access to space
- Work with teams developing other systems (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure that the turbomachinery design is optimally integrated and that risks are well balanced across the system
- Support both component and assembly testing. Be involved with defining the test configuration, the test process/execution and review the results to confirm
- Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during development/qualification testing
- Support ongoing design improvements to turbopump assemblies and/or sub-systems including manufacturing improvements to reduce the cost and lead time of components
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
- 3+ years of professional experience in the design of turbomachinery components
- Experience with commercial analysis (structural and fluids) software
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
- Strong understanding of turbomachinery aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and mechanical design
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials
- Hands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware build
- Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturability
- Experience with turbomachinery testing and engine testing
- Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS
- Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis
- Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges
- Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
- Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required
- Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
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.