Turbomachinery Engineer

1w1 week ago

SpaceX

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

About this role

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. SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. We seek a highly motivated Turbomachinery Engineer to lead design and development of next-generation turbopumps for Raptor.

Lead turbopumps from initial concept to flight, conducting coupled aerodynamic/hydrodynamic and mechanical design. Demonstrate broad turbomachinery system understanding while working with specialists in subsystems. Ensure solutions meet challenging manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and aggressive schedules.

Own critical turbomachinery components, collaborating closely with manufacturing and assembly teams. Interface with world-class production to translate designs into flight hardware revolutionizing access to space. Work with teams on vehicle, feedlines, and valves for optimal integration and balanced risks.

Devise accurate models and first principles-based tools to determine performance and operability. Push boundaries of turbomachinery designs through innovative concepts. Support testing, resolve development issues, and drive 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 of 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 work in close collaboration with manufacturing and assembling
Perform hydrodynamic sizing and flowpath design and analysis for impellers and diffusers
Ensure detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all turbopump components and review drawings for life and reliability targets
Devise models and develop methodologies to determine turbopump performance and operability
Interface with production team to translate designs into flight hardware
Work with teams developing other systems to ensure optimal turbopump integration
Support component and assembly testing, lead issue resolution, and drive design improvements