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Propulsion Engineer, Avionics Manufacturing (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

The Raptor Avionics team is responsible for the design, manufacturing and test of all the avionics installed on Raptor engines. As propulsion engineer on the Raptor avionics manufacturing team, you will be working to development, qualification, automation various manufacturing and test processes as well as scale up our in-house production capability across a wide range of avionics hardware including PCBAs, sensors, harnessing, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build the line that builds the parts.
  • Develop and qualify manufacturing processes necessary for avionics production. Question requirements, delete parts & processes, simplify & optimize, accelerate, and automate
  • Maintain a sense of holistic ownership over the production line, including process consistency, quality, tooling, capital equipment, ergonomics, and safety
  • Create and maintain production work instructions, training documents and maintenance planning
  • Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions, frequently multiple at a given time
  • Interface with vendors, supply chain and internal teams for new product & change introduction
  • Partner with production teams to ensure on-time delivery of flight-ready hardware
  • Investigate failures, document findings, and drive corrective actions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience working within a manufacturing environment (internships may be included)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced knowledge of various physical sensors and how they are operated, designed, and manufactured
  • Experience with instrumentation and electronics packaging for harsh environments
  • Experience in a high volume manufacturing environment
  • Experience with specialize processes such as wire bonding, laser welding, epoxy dispense, or soldering
  • Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment
  • Data analysis experience with Python, MATLAB, Minitab or other data analysis tools
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This is a hands-on position that will require standing for long durations of your day and working directly with hardware on the floor
  • Position may require occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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