Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)
TX · Starbase, TX · 1+ years experience · Remote · Posted Sep 23, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 1+ years experience
- Workplace
- Remote
- Location
- TX · Starbase, TX
About the role
- The Stage Responsible Engineer (Stage RE) develops the fluid systems required to enable higher-performance, highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles.
- This role develops the design, operation, and performance of the stage propulsion systems on the Starship launch vehicle.
- The Stage RE owns overall stage propulsion system performance for each vehicle and mission.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of the associated components for the systems above
- Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of the stage propulsion systems
- Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and stage systems mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration, implementation, and execution
- Support production, test, and launch operations as needed across all SpaceX facilities
- Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non-conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test
- Generate and maintain all stage test plans; fully support all stage testing operations (including on-console operations); review stage test data; validate stage system performance; and provide final sign-off on system acceptance prior to shipment to the launch pad
- Review and approve stage systems launch procedures, final integration instructions, anomaly resolutions, and flight software
- Fully support all major launch operations, as directed by the launch director
- Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead any stage-related flight anomaly resolutions and corrective actions
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering
- 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering field
- Strong first principles understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flow
- Proficient knowledge of statics and mechanics of materials
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
- Experience working with pressurized fluid systems and components, such as pneumatic systems, cryogenic systems, pressure control devices, valves, diffusers, and fittings
- Experience testing rocket stage or engine propulsion systems
- Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations
- Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers, RTDs)
Workplace
- Flexibility to travel to remote build sites
Skills
- Python
- MATLAB
