SpaceX is a leader in developing technologies for space exploration.
1. Purpose of the Role:
The Propulsion Engineer plays a key role in ensuring that rocket engines are tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests for rocket engine testing on an accelerated schedule. This position offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Responsibilities:
* To develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
* Repeated ownership of test campaigns; including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand equipment design/fabrication.
* Providing daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
* Developing and maintaining test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
* Operating and troubleshooting data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments based.
* Operating and troubleshooting fluid and mechanical systems that include low to high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including high pressure nitrogen and methane systems & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
* Operating mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
* Automating repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
* Developing innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
* Identifying and characterizing system pitfalls and potential hazards then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
* Operating test console and direct a team of technicians to execute test processes.
* Analyzing and reviewing data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
* Developing, maintaining, and executing integration and testing process, and collaborating with design engineers to improve hardware.
* Acting as a conduit for completing the resource management process, including: planning, parts, coordination, skilled labor coordination, process verification, etc.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering or physics
* 5+ years of hands-on testing experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
* Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience
* Experience in production and test systems
o Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
o Mechanical aptitude and experience
* Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role
* Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
* Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves
* Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
* Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
* Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
* Knowledge of hazardous systems- cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric
* Knowledge of high pressure system design and handling
* Experience using test instrumentation and control components
* Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
* Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
* CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred) and Teamcenter, Novice skill level
* NI Labview, Novice-Intermediate skill level
* Matlab, Novice-Intermediate skill level
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
* Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
* Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors and noise
* Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
* Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required