Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship)

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.

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)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: Turbomachinery Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year Turbomachinery Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.