Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Fleet Operations)
SpaceXMcGregor, TXPosted 7 April 2026
Tech Stack
Job Description
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.
PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLEET OPERATIONS)
The Raptor Fleet Operations team is responsible for the fleet of Raptor engines from the time they leave the factory in Hawthorne until the time they fly. Today, the team is focused on enabling rapid design iteration by taking lessons from flight and engine testing and applying those lessons across the fleet. In the future, the team will begin to focus on developing the processes necessary to maintain a large fleet of engines capable of continuous reuse. As a Propulsion Engineer on this team, you will serve an important role in developing the processes and tooling that will be used to maintain the fleet of engines and will be the technical interface between the hardware and RE teams. Engineers in this role demonstrate a very high level of engineering intuition, critical thinking, system level expertise, and are comfortable working under tight deadlines with loosely defined requirements and minimal oversight. Combining these skills, these engineers face challenges across a wide variety of work centers at the company and are at the forefront of developing integration and test processes for current and next generation engines.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead troubleshooting and diagnostic efforts of engine issues in the field
Support integration and testing of RD hardware to inform future designs and improve engine performance and reliability
Manage changes and upgrades to a large fleet of engines
Develop standards and processes to increase reliability and decrease process time
Author work instructions to address both nominal and off nominal engine work
Interface with design, build, and systems engineering as well as production leadership and technicians in the field
Contribute to the development of the Raptor production line, and provides feedback to design engineering to maximize efficiency and minimize cost/ton to orbit
Design and analyze tooling for production, test, integration, and transport of Raptor hardware
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
1+ years of hands-on engineering experience (design teams and previous internships qualify)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience in systems engineering and ability to understand multi-disciplinary integrated systems
Experience creating, reading, and interpreting electrical and fluid schematics
Experience with integration and testing of propulsion and/or electrical systems
Experience in planning and execution of complex test operations
Experience developing test software and automation
Experience writing test plans, procedures, and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with proper PPE
Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed based on site operational needs; flexibility is required
Must be able to work in extreme outdoor environments when needed – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
Must be able to work in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
Must be willing to travel to other SpaceX sites when needed (up to 20%)
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 o ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
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