Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship)

Aerodynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery (Starship) - SpaceX

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER, TURBOMACHINERY (STARSHIP)

An engineer in this role will lead the design, development, and qualification of rotating and stationary flow path components for multiple turbomachinery applications at SpaceX, taking the designs from initial concept to flight or other operations. Being successful in this role will require a strong technical knowledge of turbomachinery, coupled aero/hydro and mechanical design, and a broader turbomachinery system understanding as well as the ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the various sub-systems. Ensuring that turbomachinery solutions are developed with aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and on an aggressive schedule is also key to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, build, and test turbopump pumps and/or turbines for Starship propulsion systems

Own critical turbomachinery components, as every engineer at SpaceX assumes profound responsibility for their hardware

Perform the aero/hydro sizing and flow path design and analysis work for the turbopumps and other turbomachinery for spacecraft systems

Ensure that detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all the turbopump components/systems, reviewed, and meets the required standards for life and reliability targets

Work with designers to prepare accurate and correct models and drawings for turbopump assembly and components, ensure that these drawings are correct and manufacturable with the available processes (or develop a process to enable them)Interface with our world-class production team to ensure designs are successfully translated into flight hardware that is revolutionizing access to space

Work with teams developing other systems (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure that the turbomachinery design is optimally integrated and that risks are well balanced across the system

Support both component and assembly testing. Be involved with defining the test configuration, the test process/execution and review the results to confirm

Lead the resolution of issues encountered with the turbopump during development/qualification testing

Support ongoing design improvements to turbopump assemblies and/or sub-systems including manufacturing improvements to reduce the cost and lead time of components

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering

3+ years of professional experience in the design of turbomachinery components

Experience with commercial analysis (structural and fluids) software

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree or higher in aeronautical/astronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering

Strong understanding of turbomachinery aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and mechanical design

Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics, and/or materials

Hands-on experience with turbomachinery hardware build

Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design of manufacturability

Experience with turbomachinery testing and engine testing

Professional experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS

Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to perform basic analysis

Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges

Experience at a nimble engineering organization or in a highly technical position that required a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues

Ability to perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed; flexibility required

Ability to focus while working in hazardous conditions and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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 to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Last updated: 4 hours ago