Want to get hired at SpaceX?
Sr. Propulsion Engineer, Merlin Turbomachinery
SpaceX
Hawthorne, California, United StatesOn Site
Original Job Summary
Sr. Propulsion Engineer, Merlin Turbomachinery
SpaceX is on a mission to enable human life on Mars by developing cutting-edge rocket technology. As a Sr. Propulsion Engineer, you will own all aspects of the ongoing Merlin Turbopump design, development, qualification, and production support.
Responsibilities
- Support build, test, and flight of Merlin Turbopumps for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.
- Conduct detailed mechanical analysis and ensure reliability standards.
- Collaborate with engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams on turbomachinery components.
- Lead resolution of issues during testing and flight operations.
- Support ongoing design improvements and engine system integration.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- 5+ years experience in turbomachinery or rocket engine development.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience in CFD, stress analysis, and turbomachinery hardware build.
- Proficiency in Siemens NX and ANSYS.
- Understanding of thermodynamics, compressible/incompressible flow and materials.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel (~15% yearly) for testing and launch support.
- Flexibility with extended hours and weekends during critical issues.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range is approximately $125,000 to $175,000 per year along with stock options, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Key skills/competency
turbomachinery, mechanical analysis, CFD, Siemens NX, ANSYS, design, testing, manufacturing, integration, reliability
How to Get Hired at SpaceX
🎯 Tips for Getting Hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight turbomachinery and aerospace experience.
- Research SpaceX: Understand their mission and engineering challenges.
- Emphasize technical skills: Mention Siemens NX and ANSYS proficiency.
- Prepare examples: Describe past engineering problem-solving instances.
📝 Interview Preparation Advice
Technical Preparation
circle
Review Siemens NX modeling techniques.
circle
Practice CFD simulation using ANSYS.
circle
Study turbomachinery design fundamentals.
circle
Refresh mechanical analysis and stress calculations.
Behavioral Questions
circle
Describe time you resolved technical challenges.
circle
Explain teamwork during complex projects.
circle
Discuss managing aggressive project schedules.
circle
Highlight experience under pressure situations.