Turbomachinery Engineer

1w1 week ago

SpaceX

Hawthorne, US · Full-time · $95,000 – $130,000

About this role

SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Turbomachinery Engineer to join our team in designing and developing the next generation of turbopumps for Raptor. Lead the design, development and qualification of rocket turbopumps for multiple applications from initial concept to flight. Conduct coupled aerodynamic/hydrodynamic and mechanical design with broad turbomachinery system understanding.

Design, build and test turbopumps for liquid fueled rocket engines and other rocket or spacecraft systems. Own critical turbomachinery components and perform hydrodynamic sizing and flowpath design for impellers and diffusers. Ensure detailed mechanical analysis on all components and review drawings for life and reliability targets.

Devise accurate models and first principles-based tools to determine turbopump performance and operability. Interface with world-class production team to translate designs into flight hardware revolutionizing access to space. Work with teams developing other systems like vehicle, feedlines and valves for optimal integration and risk balance.

Own secondary flow analysis and design to meet performance targets. Support component and assembly testing, define configurations and review results. Lead resolution of issues during development/qualification testing and support ongoing improvements to reduce cost and lead time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of experience in the design of turbomachinery (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)
Master's degree or higher in aerospace, aeronautics or mechanical engineering
Strong understanding of pump hydrodynamic/aerodynamic design and fundamentals of turbomachinery
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry, mechanics and/or materials
Experience with turbomachinery manufacturing and design for manufacturability
Experience with secondary flow and axial thrust balance modeling
Experience with meanline analysis, turbomachinery testing and engine testing

Responsibilities

Design, build and test turbopumps for liquid fueled rocket engines and other rocket or spacecraft systems
Own critical turbomachinery components and be responsible for every aspect of the turbomachinery design
Perform hydrodynamic sizing and flowpath design and analysis work for impellers and diffusers
Ensure detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all turbopump components/systems and review drawings
Devise accurate models and develop new methodologies to determine turbopump performance and operability
Interface with production team to ensure designs translate into flight hardware
Work with teams developing other systems to ensure turbopump design is optimally integrated
Support testing and lead resolution of issues encountered during development/qualification