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.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (MERLIN NOZZLE EXTENSION)

As a manufacturing engineer, contribute to producing C103 nozzle extensions for Falcon 9's second-stage Merlin engines—essential niobium alloy components optimized for high-altitude efficiency. Focus on precision GTAW welding, material forming, and quality assurance in a collaborative setting that supports reliable space missions. Your contributions will enhance the performance that drives successful satellite deployments at the world's leading rocket manufacturer!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support day-to-day production of the Merlin Nozzle Extension, which includes manufacturing processes such as machining, GTAW / TIG welding, mechanical forming, proof testing, precision cleaning, non-destructive testing, heat treat, and assembly
Analyze and disposition recurring manufacturing discrepancies and lead multi-disciplinary teams on root cause analysis and corrective actions
Develop new and evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to reduce non-conformance frequency/severity and reduce operating costs
Provide subject matter expertise on manufacturing processes and products, including peer mentoring and development of teammates
Identify and execute design-for-manufacturability improvements that have system-wide improvements to the department
Communicate on a daily basis with supporting departments such as production, machining, maintenance, quality, and design engineering to ensure that product is delivered on time to the correct quantities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
1+ years of mechanical design or hands-on manufacturing experience (internship and project experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with aerospace welding systems (e.g. electron beam, TIG, friction stir)
Experience with non-destructive testing/non-destructive evaluation (e.g. fluorescent penetrant inspection, radiography, Eddy Current, Ultrasonic Testing, etc.)
Experience with metallurgical evaluation and testing
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) experience
CAD experience (NX & Teamcenter a plus)
Tooling design experience
Design for manufacturability and assembly experience
Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, and fault analysis
Experience with Lean Six Sigma or equivalent high-performance culture systems
Pareto analysis, root cause, and corrective action experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
This position is onsite in Hawthorne, CA - remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

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, stock options, 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. 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. § 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.

Manufacturing Engineer (Merlin Nozzle Extension)