Software Engineer, Propulsion Simulation & Data Analysis

Summary

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The role involves working with the Raptor Systems Modeling and Control Team to maintain and improve engine performance models and support high-consequence decision-making through data analysis and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the accuracy of the lumped-parameter thermofluid physics model of the Raptor engine
• Conduce engine cycle analysis to steer future-state engine design and thrust upgrades
• Conduct anomaly resolution utilizing the engine model and sparse instrumentation
• Develop a detailed understanding of the physics underlying rocket engine performance, sources of performance variability, as well as related modeling and measurement techniques
• Maintain and improve the accuracy of the representation of the Raptor engine used in integrated vehicle simulations, control software validation and flight Monte Carlo analysis
• Develop tools and portals to understand the sources of engine performance variability and enact improvements to manufacturing and engine hardware design
• Automate processes and software tools that are used to predict test performance and generate flight performance predictions for GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) and flight software
• Collaborate with engineers across the company to extend and improve interoperability among existing tools as well as to standardize hardware and software practices, tools, and methods to maximize functionality and value while minimizing future overhead and obsolescence

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline
• 1+ year experience writing computer software
• 1+ year experience with physics-based simulations of real dynamic systems
• 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
• Dynamical systems modeling
• Experience with lumped parameter modeling of physical systems
• Experience implementing physics-informed neural networks to solve real-world engineering problems
• Data driven analysis of complex systems
• Experience inferring root cause from sparse measurements
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to team members, internal customers and management
• Experience building data pipelines providing sanitization, curation, visualization, exploration to high dimensional datasets
• Experience working with or simulating combustion engines or fluid systems
• Full stack web development experience (database design, frontend)
• Frontend experience in Angular, React, or a similar JavaScript framework
• Backend Development: deliver well-tested, performant, and maintainable Python, C#/.NET, C++ or Java code
• Experience with version control, continuous integration, Unix-like operating systems
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline
• 1+ year experience writing computer software
• 1+ year experience with physics-based simulations of real dynamic systems
• 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

Nice to Haves

• Dynamical systems modeling
• Experience with lumped parameter modeling of physical systems
• Experience implementing physics-informed neural networks to solve real-world engineering problems
• Data driven analysis of complex systems
• Experience inferring root cause from sparse measurements
• Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to team members, internal customers and management
• Experience building data pipelines providing sanitization, curation, visualization, exploration to high dimensional datasets
• Experience working with or simulating combustion engines or fluid systems
• Full stack web development experience (database design, frontend)
• Frontend experience in Angular, React, or a similar JavaScript framework
• Backend Development: deliver well-tested, performant, and maintainable Python, C#/.NET, C++ or Java code
• Experience with version control, continuous integration, Unix-like operating systems
• Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
• Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains

Benefits

• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 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
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 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