Hiring: Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor) Company: SpaceX Location: Hawthorne, CA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-03 10:23:40 Target Skills & Keywords : Assembly, Data Pipeline, Machine Learning, Python About the job Experience: •Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation (PLC, LabVIEW, Beckhof, Siemens, Fanuc, ABB, Kuka). •Demonstrated experience with robotic systems, machine vision, or real-time process control in a manufacturing environment. •Demonstrated capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment with aggressive schedules. •Demonstrated capacity to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers. •Direct experience with rocket engine chamber or nozzle manufacturing (regeneratively cooled hardware is highly desired). Required Skills: •Develop, deploy and iteratively improve automated manufacturing systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles, including robotic process automation and smart factory initiatives. •Implement process control and in-situ monitoring for the specialized manufacturing processes required to build the chamber and nozzle components. •Build and maintain data pipelines that capture manufacturing telemetry to enable statistical process control, predictive analytics, and machine learning models for defect reduction and process optimization. •Design fixture and material handling solutions that support chamber/nozzle build and assembly while maintaining tight geometric tolerances. •Drive continuous improvement of manufacturing automation through scripting (Python), PLC logic, and advanced process modeling to reduce cycle time and scrap rates. •Partner closely with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams to convert new designs into robust, scalable processes, resolve nonconformances, and drive design changes that improve manufacturability, reliability, and performance. •Establish version-controlled automation software with rigorous testing, ensuring manufacturing systems are reliable, repeatable, and safe. Qualifications: •Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. •1+ years of experience automating manufacturing processes for metallic components. •Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor. •Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing. •Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. •10% travel in support of launch and test of hardware. •Flexibility in working hours to production and launch cadence. •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. Compensation: •$100,000 - $115,000 / year Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!