About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Software Engineer focused on developing tools for thermal and fluid analysis in spacecraft systems. You'll be coding, automating workflows, and collaborating with engineers to enhance design processes. It's primarily an individual contributor role requiring strong software development skills and some knowledge of thermal and fluid systems.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have a degree in a relevant field and at least a year of coding experience, particularly in Python or JavaScript. Those with a background in aerospace or thermal systems will thrive, especially if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving.

Worth noting

The role is tied to SpaceX's ambitious goal of enabling human life on Mars, which may appeal to those passionate about space exploration. However, the job may involve high-pressure situations typical of a fast-paced aerospace environment.

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (THERMAL & FLUID ANALYSIS)

The Thermal & Fluid Analysis team supports the design and testing of Starship’s thermal and fluids systems. These include active and passive thermal control, propellant feed systems, gas systems, thermal protection, and in-space propellant management among many other subsystems. These systems must perform reliably in extreme environments from launch to recovery. In this role, you will develop software tools to support analysis, improve design processes, automate workflows, and subsequently deploy the new software/workflows to the analysis and engineering community. Your work will enable making informed decisions more quickly and thus reducing the time required to realize a self-sustaining colony on Mars.

This role requires strong software development skills and an interest in simulation, thermal design, and fluid systems. Experience with thermal & fluid system modeling technique and simulation is a major plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design software and workflows that improve mission critical analysis throughput
• Build infrastructure to support thermal and fluid systems analysis
• Automate analysis workflows to speed up mission and design iteration
• Support simulation and validation with test and flight data
• Collaborate with engineers to improve reliability and performance of spacecraft systems
• Write clean, scalable code and maintain strong documentation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• 1+ years of experience coding in Python, JavaScript, and/or Rust (including internship or academic experience)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Familiarity with thermal or fluid systems in spacecraft or aerospace applications
• Strong background in Python and data processing
• Experience automating engineering workflows or simulations
• Knowledge of and/or experience in MATLAB, C/C++, Git, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Workbench, Siemens STAR-CCM+
• Understanding of thermal/fluid networks (0-D or 1-D modeling)
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Interest in making engineering tools easier to use and more scalable
• Familiarity with high performance computing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

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.

Skills & Tags

python java javascript go rust ai data design

Aplyr's read

SpaceX is revolutionizing space travel with its ambitious goals and innovative technology, attracting individuals passionate about aerospace and engineering challenges.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•SpaceX has a clear mission to reduce space transportation costs significantly.
•The company is a leader in reusable rocket technology, setting industry standards.
•SpaceX offers diverse roles, from engineering to culinary management, indicating growth and operational complexity.

What to watch

•High-pressure work environment with demanding deadlines can lead to burnout.
•Frequent changes in project direction may affect job stability and focus.
•Limited public information about long-term financial sustainability.

Why SpaceX

•SpaceX is pioneering Mars colonization efforts, a unique long-term vision.
•The company successfully integrates vertical operations, from manufacturing to launch.
•SpaceX's Starlink project aims to provide global internet coverage, expanding its market reach.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About SpaceX

SpaceX

spacex.com

View company

SpaceX is an aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk. They are known for developing the Falcon and Starship rockets, with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars.