Propulsion Engineer

About the Role

The Propulsion Engineer will join the Propulsion team, working on a new development program focused on delivering breakthrough missile propulsion solutions. This role involves driving the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of solid rocket motors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight of a key supplier.
• Accelerate rapid development cycles.
• Ensure motors and engines meet performance, safety, and schedule goals.
• Work cross-functionally with missile IPTs, test engineers, and production to translate system requirements into flight-ready hardware.
• Define and refine product specifications and statements of requirements for new and existing motors and engines.
• Generate performance predictions and validate them against system-level IPT models.
• Develop, review, and execute comprehensive test plans, overseeing supplier-level and system-level testing.
• Participate in weekly working group meetings with motor suppliers, capturing action items and driving resolutions.
• Present motor status updates at internal briefings and formal customer program reviews.
• Coordinate interface development with product design, analysis groups, materials, and production operations.
• Manage engineering drawings and documentation releases through PLM, ensuring configuration control.
• Perform design trade studies, risk assessments, and failure mode analyses to mitigate technical risk.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar major) AND 0-2 years of post-grad relevant work experience OR Pursuing your Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar major).
• Familiarity with Propulsion Design concepts and mechanics. Specialties may include non-traditional air-breathing propulsion (Ramjet, Scramjet, Rotating Detonation Engines, Turbojet, or similar propulsion concepts/technologies).
• Ability to read and understand technical data sheets and drawings, including engineering drawings, technical documentation, and GD&T.
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain government-issued security clearance.
• Expected to spend greater than 50% of time on travel, co-located with Propulsion Supplier(s).

Qualifications (Desired)

• Master's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) or Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion.
• Experience with design and build of propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of nondestructive evaluation methods (radiographic inspection, ultrasonic, etc.).
• Familiarity with statistical process controls, design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with basic chemistry and/or physics with the ability to learn and master advanced topics such as polymer chemistry, thermochemistry, rheology, thermodynamics, ballistics, etc.
• Proposal Development Experience; Basis of Estimate (BOE) Development.
• Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams - Full Lifecycle Development Experience.