Software Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis

About the role

This role supports the Raptor Systems Modeling and Control Team in managing the power balance, control, and calibration of advanced rocket engines. You will build tools to interpret test data and generate performance predictions that inform critical flight safety and design decisions. The position requires ownership of the entire software lifecycle from data ingestion to user-facing analytics. You will refine models that translate complex physics into actionable digital twins for engine health and performance. Collaboration with propulsion experts will guide the translation of domain requirements into robust software solutions. You will enable data-driven decisions that reduce risk and accelerate design validation across programs. This role directly contributes to the reliability and fidelity of simulation frameworks used in mission-critical analysis.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Refine lumped-parameter thermofluid physics models for the Raptor engine using structured computational methods.
• Execute engine cycle analysis to guide future hardware designs and thrust improvements through quantitative evaluation.
• Perform anomaly resolution by analyzing sparse instrumentation data through physics-based engine models and statistical patterns.
• Deepen your knowledge of rocket engine physics, performance variability, and measurement techniques through iterative testing.
• Update Raptor engine representations for integrated vehicle simulations, control software validation, and flight Monte Carlo analysis.
• Create software portals to identify performance variability and drive manufacturing improvements with interactive data visualizations.
• Automate workflows for predicting test performance and generating flight data for GNC and flight software integration.
• Standardize methods and tools across the company to improve interoperability and reduce long-term technical debt in simulation assets.
• Design and implement data ingestion pipelines that handle high-volume test records while ensuring traceability and consistency.
• Develop analytical dashboards that expose key performance indicators for engineers and stakeholders during design reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM field with a strong foundation in computational methods.
• Minimum 1 year of professional software development experience in a team-based engineering environment.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with physics-based simulations of dynamic systems and related numerical methods.
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable code that supports long-term simulation and analysis workflows.
• Familiarity with version control practices and collaborative development processes used in regulated environments.
• Aptitude for translating ambiguous requirements into technical specifications with guidance from domain experts.
• Willingness to work closely with propulsion engineers to validate model behavior against physical test results.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards that underpin the reliability of simulation-driven engineering decisions.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in dynamical systems modeling and lumped parameter modeling for real-time and offline analysis.
• Experience applying physics-informed neural networks to engineering challenges in fluid and thermal systems.
• Ability to identify root causes from limited sensor data using statistical inference and diagnostic techniques.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, materials, and fluid flow at a level relevant to rocket systems.
• Experience building data pipelines for high-dimensional datasets, including sanitization, transformation, and visualization.
• Background in simulating fluid systems or combustion engines with an emphasis on performance and stability.
• Full stack web development skills including database design, API implementation, and frontend user interaction.
• Experience with JavaScript frameworks such as React or Angular for building responsive analytical interfaces.
• Strong communication skills for presenting technical insights to management and internal stakeholders during reviews.

Practical notes

This role is based in Hawthorne, Canada and operates within the local legal and regulatory framework for employment. The listed location defines the primary work area for this position. Compensation details are not provided in the source material and are not included on this page. Engagement terms are defined by standard employment policies applicable to the region. No specific hours are stated beyond standard expectations for full-time professional roles. Travel requirements are not specified in the available source information. Visa sponsorship details are not described in the provided source. Application deadlines are not mentioned in the source documentation and are not indicated here.

This job description outlines the core responsibilities and expectations for a Software Engineer focused on propulsion simulation and data analysis at SpaceX. The role emphasizes the translation of complex physical models into reliable software tools that support engineering analysis and decision-making. You will contribute to critical workflows that influence hardware design, test planning, and flight safety validation. The position requires a balance of technical depth in software engineering and an appreciation for the physical realities of rocket propulsion. Success in this role depends on your ability to manage evolving requirements and maintain software systems that scale with organizational needs. You will play a key part in ensuring that simulation capabilities keep pace with the demands of advanced engine development. The work supports long-term initiatives to standardize analysis methods and improve data accessibility across teams. By focusing on automation, clarity, and robustness, this role helps reduce risk and increase confidence in simulation-based engineering processes.