SpaceX is looking to solve the problem of ensuring the safety and optimality of flight trajectories for their Raptor engines by improving the accuracy of their simulation models and data analysis processes. This involves translating engine test data into accurate predictions of future performance and aiding in root cause analysis for anomaly resolution.
Requirements
- 5+ years of professional experience writing computer software
- 2+ years of professional experience with physics-based simulations of real dynamic systems
- 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
Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve the accuracy of the lumped-parameter thermofluid physics model of the Raptor engine
- Conduct engine cycle analysis to steer future-state engine design and thrust upgrades
- Conduct anomaly resolution utilizing the engine model and sparse instrumentation
- 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
- 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
Other
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a STEM discipline
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to team members, internal customers and management
- 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.
