Propulsion Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

SpaceX seeks a full-time Propulsion Engineer specializing in Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor) at our Hawthorne, CA headquarters. This hands-on engineering role offers direct technical ownership of cutting-edge rocket engine hardware.

The Opportunity

This position centers on stewarding the design, production, testing, and long-term reuse of Raptor chamber and nozzle systems. You'll lead either sea-level or vacuum-optimized configurations, partnering with design engineers, structural analysts, and production specialists at the Raptor engine facility. This is an exceptional chance to drive technical decisions on flight-critical components while building expertise in advanced propulsion systems.

Core Duties

• Serve as the engineering authority for Raptor chamber and nozzle assemblies, including piece-part specifications, thrust chamber fabrication, and nozzle extension development
• Collaborate with manufacturing and technical staff to design, test, and optimize production workflows that reduce cost, improve quality, and accelerate delivery
• Engage with Texas-based operations teams for hot-fire test campaigns, engine qualification testing, stage-level validation, and flight vehicle operations—conducting inspections, reviewing performance data, and analyzing results
• Evaluate component designs and analysis, building expert-level understanding of thermal behavior, structural limits, material performance, and mission requirements
• Lead investigations into hardware anomalies and drive closure through risk mitigation planning with cross-functional teams before flight certification
• Champion the development and release of new engine block variants that enhance mass efficiency, manufacturing cost, operational reliability, and thrust performance
• Coordinate with senior Raptor engineers and vehicle teams on engine-level and vehicle-level engineering trades that shape next-generation hardware

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline
• 1 or more years of practical experience in fabrication, assembly, testing, process development, or technical program management—gained through internships, laboratory work, student organizations, or professional roles

Preferred:

• Master's degree in engineering
• Foundational knowledge of liquid rocket propulsion systems and engine cycles
• Understanding of thermal analysis, finite-element modeling, structural failure modes, and mechanical system limits
• Hands-on familiarity with production techniques including machining, metal forming, assembly, welding, brazing, and additive manufacturing
• Proficiency in engineering trade-off analysis using first-principles reasoning and fundamental physics
• Working knowledge of CAD software—particularly Siemens NX—including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Track record collaborating within multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain functions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with organized project management

Occasional travel to support manufacturing, testing, and launch operations is required. Schedule flexibility to align with hot-fire test windows, production milestones, and mission timelines is essential. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee as defined under federal immigration law, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

More About SpaceX

SpaceX was founded on the conviction that humanity's future depends on becoming a spacefaring civilization. The company is engineering the technologies to achieve this vision, with Mars colonization as the long-term objective. The Raptor engine family powers next-generation launch vehicles and represents a central pillar of this strategy. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce.

Applying for This Role

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