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Spacex Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Industrious Ventures

Propulsion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Led by former SpaceX, Varda, Impulse, and Relativity engineers, our vision is to dominate cislunar ... As a Propulsion Engineer, you will work closely with a focused technical team to design and analyze ...

Front Door Defense

$100K - $160K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. Propulsion Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis (Raptor ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT) The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Flight)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR FLIGHT) The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for taking hardware ...

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Spacex Propulsion Engineer information

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$65K

$103.6K

$134K

How much do spacex propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex propulsion engineer in the United States is $103,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SpaceX propulsion engineer?

SpaceX Propulsion Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the rocket engines and propulsion systems used in SpaceX's launch vehicles and spacecraft. They work on components such as engines, fuel systems, and turbopumps to ensure reliability, performance, and safety in space missions. These engineers collaborate closely with other engineering teams to advance propulsion technology, troubleshoot issues, and support launch operations. Their work is critical in enabling SpaceX to achieve ambitious goals like reusable rockets and interplanetary travel.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a SpaceX propulsion engineer?

To thrive as a SpaceX Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and propulsion systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), propulsion analysis tools, and experience with hands-on testing or manufacturing processes is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this fast-paced, innovative environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing reliable, high-performance propulsion systems and driving successful space missions.

What are some of the unique challenges a SpaceX propulsion engineer faces?

As a Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX, you'll encounter unique challenges such as designing and testing rocket engines under tight timelines to meet ambitious launch schedules. The role demands innovative problem-solving skills to address issues like engine reliability, performance optimization, and integration with other spacecraft systems. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including avionics and manufacturing, is frequent, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Additionally, you'll be expected to work in a fast-paced environment where rapid prototyping and iterative testing are integral to the engineering process.

What is the difference between Spacex Propulsion Engineer vs Rocket Propulsion Engineer?

AspectSpacex Propulsion EngineerRocket Propulsion Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering; experience with propulsion systemsBachelor's/Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering; experience with rocket engines
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft and rocket development facilities, manufacturing plants, testing sitesRocket testing labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace research centers
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily at SpaceX, in commercial space industryVarious aerospace companies, government agencies, research institutions

Both roles focus on propulsion systems, requiring similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Spacex Propulsion Engineers specifically work on SpaceX's spacecraft and rockets, while Rocket Propulsion Engineers may work across multiple organizations in the aerospace industry. The key difference lies in the employer and specific project focus.

What are popular job titles related to Spacex Propulsion Engineer jobs?

For Spacex Propulsion Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Spacex Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,596 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Hardware Development)

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Own engine hardware and software from first build through acceptance test, flight, and re-flight.

  • Lead development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations.

  • Resolve day-to-day production, test, and launch issues by working hands-on with the hardware.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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 (MERLIN HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT)
As a Merlin Propulsion Engineer, you will own engine hardware and software from first build through acceptance test, flight, and re-flight. You will drive design, process, and operational changes that improve Merlin reliability, producibility, and performance-and help Falcon scale production and flight rate without sacrificing the flight heritage that made it the world's most reliable launch vehicle. On any given week you might be hands-on with the engine, in a design or test review, briefing a customer, or closing an anomaly investigation before the next launch.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as the Responsible Engineer for a Merlin engine component or system, where you will be the primary technical point of contact for your hardware through the complete life cycle
  • Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations
  • Design, analyze, produce, and operate Merlin propulsion hardware and systems across development and flight operations
  • Partner with engineers and technicians across production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), software, mission management, and flight reliability to deliver flight-ready engines
  • Resolve day-to-day production, test, and launch issues by getting hands-on with the hardware
  • Brief commercial and government customers on hardware changes and issues as a technical authority for mission success
  • Make sound, risk-informed decisions under time pressure, including during test and launch campaigns
  • Implement and maintain hardware and software verification and validation using automation and process controls that scale with flight rate
  • Develop and improve engine maintenance procedures with the launch site and test teams to improve hardware readiness and reduce turnaround time
  • Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware, drive rapid resolution, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
  • Build tools, especially while leveraging AI, to automate analysis, reduce repetitive work, and speed up engineering decisions
  • Run multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing against program milestones and business needs while maintaining excellent attention to detail

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  • 1+ years of academic or professional hands-on experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing
  • 1+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering
  • 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine development
  • Strong foundation in fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible), thermodynamics, combustion, structures/fracture mechanics, and materials-and the judgment to apply them to real hardware decisions.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA)
  • Experience across the full engineering lifecycle-from design trade and CAD through manufacturing, test, qualification, production, and flight/operations.
  • Experience performing risk assessments or supporting timely closure of root-cause investigations
  • Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, etc.)
  • Experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable
  • Comfortable briefing senior leadership and external customers on technical risk and hardware status
  • Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel in support of testing, launching, and maintenance of engine hardware (up to 10%)
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when production, test, or launch timelines require it

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
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 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.
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.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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