Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst

About the role

In this role, you will be integral to ensuring the thermal reliability of the Raptor combustion hardware throughout the complete flight profile of the Starship vehicle. Your expertise in physics and thermodynamics will be essential as you tackle intricate engineering challenges, overseeing the analysis, design, and testing of advanced rocket engine components.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct and present thermal analyses utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and fundamental principles to inform design decisions and validate flight performance.
• Oversee the thermal design process from the initial concept stage through to ground test validation and subsequent analysis of orbital data.
• Collaborate closely with production, design, and testing teams to ensure that hardware aligns with the objectives of both the engine and the vehicle.
• Validate thermal models against experimental data to confirm that predictions are consistent with the established physical design criteria.
• Contribute to the enhancement of engine performance by analyzing and qualifying new design iterations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of thermal analysis processes and results.
• Engage in troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts to address thermal issues that arise during testing and operational phases.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in thermal analysis methodologies and tools to continuously improve processes.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in physics or a relevant engineering field is required.
• At least 4 years of professional or academic experience in thermal analysis, which may include internships or relevant extracurricular activities.
• Candidates must comply with ITAR regulations: U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee, or asylee status is mandatory.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical engineering challenges.
• Proficiency in using thermal analysis tools and software is essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex technical information.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in physics, materials engineering, aerospace engineering, or mechanical engineering is preferred.
• Over 6 years of professional or academic experience in thermal analysis is advantageous.
• Familiarity with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid network modeling is a plus.
• Capability to perform manual calculations for the purpose of model validation is beneficial.
• Experience with rocket engines, automotive engines, or intricate fluid systems will be considered a strong asset.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and ANSYS Workbench is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools would be advantageous.
• Strong mathematical skills and a solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Practical notes

• The compensation package may include long-term incentives such as stock options or cash bonuses, along with discretionary bonuses and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten paid holidays each year.
• This position may require occasional travel to support testing activities.
• Candidates should be prepared for extended working hours and weekends when necessary to resolve critical technical issues.

Joining SpaceX as a Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst means becoming part of a team that is at the forefront of aerospace innovation. Your contributions will directly impact the success of the Starship program and the future of space exploration. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our mission to make life multi-planetary.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.