Propulsion Engineer; Falcon Components

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Hardware with moving parts is the most likely to fail. As a propulsion components engineer, you will be ultimately responsible for the success or failure of state‑of‑the‑art electromechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic valves and actuators that drive critical capabilities across every aspect of the Falcon vehicle (engine throttling, thrust vectoring, tank pressurization, etc.). This role is the real deal—a key enabler for ensuring continued success for Space

X and Falcon. Component failure means likely loss of vehicle, loss of mission, and possibly loss of life. Success means extending humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our components control liquid oxygen, RP‑1, TEA‑TEB, helium, and nitrogen, and demand maximum reliability in extreme environments, with temperatures ranging from +900 °F to
-400 °F and pressures beyond 5,000 psig.

The Falcon program has exceeded 30 flight reuses and is operating at an unprecedented launch cadence. Components engineers play a vital role in Falcon's ongoing development and success. In this role, you will work on both computer‑based engineering tasks and hands‑on hardware assembly and testing. Success depends on your attention to detail and technical engineering rigor.

You do not need to meet 100% of the preferred qualifications to be considered. If you meet the basic qualifications and are excited about the challenge, apply today—we want to talk!

• Question the status quo and existing requirements; develop solutions to technical problems; implement design or test upgrades to improve reliability or reuse.
• Perform hands‑on testing and lead root cause investigations for component and flight anomalies.
• Urgently troubleshoot critical issues at test/launch sites.
• Plan and execute component flight qualification test plans (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal cycle, life cycle, burst, etc.).
• Identify flight risks, develop mitigations, and implement solutions to ensure mission success.
• Design and analyze new fluid components for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles.
• Generate detailed drawings, specifications, and coordinate component manufacturing with Space
  
  X internal and external production groups.
• Work closely with partner teams all across Space
  
  X, from launch site to supply chain.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical/fluid systems via professional work experience, project/research‑based student experience, or a combination of both.
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages (can be in a professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting).

• Demonstrated ability to own hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team outside a classroom setting (FSAE, Engineers without Borders, Design‑Build‑Fly, NASA student launch, personal entrepreneurial ventures, etc.).
• Experience with and knowledge of mechanisms, fluid control components, and test instrumentation (valves, regulators, actuators, drive trains, pumps, engines, pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with pressurized fluid and/or gas handling systems.
• Excellent written and communication skills, organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.).
• Master's degree or 1+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

• Must be able to work long hours and weekends as needed.
• Travel to vendors and other Space
  
  X sites as needed.

Pay range:

Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 – $ per year

Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $ – $ 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…