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Spacex Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$115K - $160K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars. PROPULSION ENGINEER, COMBUSTION DEVICES MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR) As a ...

WI · On-site

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. PROPULSION ENGINEER, STAGE SYSTEMS (STARSHIP) The Stage Responsible ...

$115K - $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 ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars. PROPULSION ENGINEER, STAGE SYSTEMS (STARSHIP) The Stage Responsible ...

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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 14, 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 Fluids Analyst (Raptor Systems Engineering)

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

PROPULSION FLUIDS ANALYST (RAPTOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING) 

The Propulsion Fluids Analyst role is responsible for evaluating and improving engine hardware designs through fluids and thermal analyses using tools such as Sinda/Fluint, STAR-CCM+, and custom code to build, mesh, and solve models. You will analyze conditions across all operations-from startup through mainstage to shutdown-and for every phase of flight in the mission, while validating predictions with engine test and flight data. Your analytical conclusions will guide investigations spanning the entire engine, from individual valves and combustors to coupled system-level interactions, directly enabling the development, production, and safe operation of the most advanced, full-flow staged combustion engine boosting the largest launch vehicle in history.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis to drive design decisions for flight engine hardware and provide verification that reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight of the mission
  • Collaborate with propulsion engineers on various engine teams to proactively anticipate and drive analyses throughout engine component design cycles.
  • Ground model predictions in reality through hands-on validation of testing development and flight hardware
  • Organize and improve integrated system models and analysis workflow for greater output and efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in fluids, CFD, and thermal analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
  • Experience with setup, execution, de-bugging, and post-processing (geometry, mesh generation, and model selection) of steady-state and transient CFD simulations using ideal and real-fluid equations of state (using StarCCM+, ANSYS CFX, or other)
  • Experience with creating watertight parasolids for CFD using Siemens NX
  • Experience with conjugate heat transfer simulations
  • Experience with transient fluids modeling (using SINDA/FLUINT or other)
  • Experience with thermal and heat transfer modeling (using ANSYS or other
  • Experience in using thermal and fluids hand-calcs to validate or improve confidence in higher fidelity models
  • Strong fundamental understanding of engine cycles and injector types used in liquid bipropellant rocket engines
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, etc. to automate/script tasks and post-process data
  • Previous experience in the aerospace industry
  • Demonstrated ability to execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines and aggressive schedule
  • Demonstrated ability to provide and concisely communicate (oral and written) highly technical information to a broad audience
  • Self-motivated to solve complex problems
  • Eager to participate in the extremely challenging but high impact environment that is SpaceX

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

  • Propulsion Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00/per year
  • Propulsion Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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