Sr. Propulsion Design Engineer (Raptor Engine Systems)

Hawthorne, CA

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. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

SR. PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER (RAPTOR ENGINE SYSTEMS)

The Raptor Systems Design team is seeking a senior engineer to own the definition, enforcement, and validation of engine design criteria—closing the loop between design, test, analysis, and build. You will manage requirements for the world's most advanced rocket engine, ensure they cascade effectively to subsystems, and verify they're met through rigorous testing and analysis.

You will maintain and improve department-wide design documentation (including DCRs, PDRs, CDRs), drive corrective actions on deficiencies, and uphold best practices in design, development, and production. You will track the overall health of design criteria for the engine, report risks and gaps to leadership, and lead cross-team efforts to resolve issues in ways that benefit the entire program.

This role requires a self-directed engineer with hardware ownership experience, exceptional communication skills, and a strong background in CAD, structural design, and fluid systems. The ideal candidate will have a track record of successfully driving large, multi-team initiatives. Experience working with rocket engines in both development and production environments is a plus. Your work will directly ensure that Raptor is ready to be the rocket engine that makes life multiplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Partner with subsystem and component owners to translate top-level requirements into clear, measurable criteria at lower levels.
• Audit design documentation regularly to identify gaps, risks, and inconsistencies, and drive the closure of any findings.
• Review test and analysis data to confirm criteria are met, initiating follow-up actions where validation falls short.
• Develop and refine department processes for design reviews (DCR, PDR, CDR) to improve efficiency and clarity of outcomes.
• Compile and deliver periodic design health reports to leadership, highlighting critical issues and progress trends.
• Facilitate resolution of cross-team conflicts by balancing technical, schedule, and program-wide priorities.
• Champion design best practices by sharing lessons learned and aligning teams on standards for producibility, reliability, and performance.
• Lead initiatives that integrate feedback from production, test, and flight operations into design updates.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, test, and analysis teams to ensure design readiness for production hardware.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS :

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE :

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS :

Pay range :

Propulsion Engineer / Senior : $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 / 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.

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 toEEOCompliance@spacex.com

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