Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle; Raptor

Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

Space

X is seeking an engineer with deep expertise in manufacturing automation to create the machines that build the Raptor engine’s combustion chamber and nozzle. These components feature some of the most complex geometries in rocket propulsion — including intricate regenerative cooling channels, thin‑walled high‑temperature alloys, and tight‑tolerance surfaces that must survive extreme thermal and pressure cycles across hundreds of reuse cycles.

You will design, implement, and scale automated manufacturing processes that increase production rate, improve quality consistency, and reduce cost while maintaining the extreme reliability required for Starship. This role sits at the intersection of propulsion engineering, robotics, controls, and data systems.

Your work will directly enable rapid iteration and high-volume production of Raptor chambers and nozzles.

• Develop,deployanditerativelyimproveautomated manufacturing systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles, including robotic process automationandsmart factory initiatives.
• Implement process control and in-situ monitoring forthe specializedmanufacturingprocesses required to build the chamber and nozzle 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.
• Design fixtureandmaterial handling solutions that support chamber/nozzle build and assembly while maintaining tight geometric tolerances.
• Drive continuous improvement of manufacturing automation through scripting (Python), PLC logic, and advanced process modeling to reduce cycle time and scrap rates.
• 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.
• Establish version-controlled automation software with rigorous testing, ensuring manufacturing systems are reliable, repeatable, and safe.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience automating manufacturing processes for metallic components.

• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation (PLC, LabVIEW, Beckhof, Siemens, Fanuc, ABB, Kuka).
• Demonstrated experience with robotic systems, machine vision, or real-time process control in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑ownership environment with aggressive schedules.
• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Direct experience with rocket engine chamber or nozzle manufacturing (regeneratively cooled hardware is highly desired).
• Expertise in machining, welding, precision assembly, or heat treatments.
• Background in non‑destructive inspection automation and closed‑loop quality control.
• Experience with large‑scale data collection from manufacturing processes and building predictive models for defect detection or process optimization.
• Familiarity with production systems and the unique challenges of scaling reusable rocket hardware.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), precision metrology, and digital thread concepts.
• 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.

• 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…