EngineeringNot provided by source

Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)

SpaceX · Not provided by source

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Last seen by MeritLog September 9, 2026Source: GreenhouseSource version: greenhouse-job-board-v1

MeritLog read this listing from SpaceX's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 9, 2026.

Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: Not provided by source
Salary: Not listed by source
Location: Starbase, TX

Hiring context

How this role compares at SpaceX

SpaceX has 2,348 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 11 job families, and 1,416 of them are in engineering. 197 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 8%.

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What the role asks for

What you'd do

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

What they're asking for

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineeringEducation
1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experienceExperience
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering fieldEducationPreferred
Strong first principles understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flowSkillPreferred
Proficient knowledge of statics and mechanics of materialsSkillPreferred
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detailSkillPreferred
Experience working with pressurized fluid systems and components, such as pneumatic systems, cryogenic systems, pressure control devices, valves, diffusers, and fittingsSkillPreferred
Experience testing rocket stage or engine propulsion systemsSkillPreferred
Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operationsSkillPreferred
Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers, RTDs)SkillPreferred
Familiarity with basic concepts of control systemsSkillPreferred
Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (can be professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)SkillPreferred
Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environment – ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelinesSkillPreferred
Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customers, and managementSkillPreferred
Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLABSkillPreferred
Strong desire to mentor and develop direct reportsSkillPreferred
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as neededSkillPreferred
Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is requiredSkillPreferred
Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over handSkillPreferred
Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rainSkillPreferred
Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noiseSkillPreferred

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

Job description

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. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. PROPULSION ENGINEER, STAGE SYSTEMS (STARSHIP) 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 propulsion systems include all propellant feed systems, propellant management systems, helium pressurization systems, pneumatic systems, autogenous pressurization systems, differential pressure measurement systems, engine ignition gas supply systems, environmental control systems, and attitude control systems integrated into each stage of the 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 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering • 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • 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)  • Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems  • Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (can be professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)  • Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environment – ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customers, and management  • Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB  • Strong desire to mentor and develop direct reports  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed  • Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand  • Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise  • Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required  • Flexibility to travel to remote build sites  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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 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.

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