Propulsion Systems Engineer

We are recruiting a Propulsion Systems Engineer for a confidential advanced engineering program. This role focuses on the design, development, and testing of complex propulsion and fluid‑based systems in a hands‑on engineering environment. 

The Senior Propulsion Engineer owns the complete lifecycle of combustion devices and related propulsion hardware from concept through flight vehicle integration and operations, ensuring designs are robust, testable, manufacturable, and meet program performance, cost, and schedule objectives. The role is hands on and spans design, analysis, test, production support, supplier coordination, and potential leadership of junior engineers and technicians.Reports to Senior Leadership.

• →Manage the complete design lifecycle of combustion devices (product) from the initial stage to flight vehicle execution.
• →Create, define and track requirements for responsible product.
  
• →Development, modeling, validation, and verification of the complete product and its subcomponents, generating design documentation in accordance with GD&T rules and internal company standards.
  
• →Production supervision of the product, collaborating with vendors and suppliers, creating/guiding the technological process of the product and its subcomponents.
• →Design test campaign of the product including technological tests for subcomponents, qualification and an acceptance test campaign of the product. Participation in the test equipment development process, managing test campaign execution, and creating test documentation.
• →Integration of product into assembly, defining and managing interfaces/interactions between components/subsystems of the vehicle.
• →Manage budget and plan schedule for the product.
• →Management and mentorship of junior team members on propulsion team.
• →Lead design reviews of own product and participate in design reviews of others.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a closely related engineering discipline; Master's degree with specialization in propulsion, combustion, or related field is an asset.

• 5+ years of hands on experience in liquid rocket propulsion or closely related combustion/fluids hardware (e.g., gas turbines, high pressure chemical process equipment, combustion systems).

• Demonstrated experience owning design, analysis, and delivery of combustion devices or propulsion subcomponents (e.g., injectors, chambers, nozzles, valves, manifolds, feed systems) from concept to hardware.

• Strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and structural mechanics as applied to high pressure, high temperature hardware.

• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for complex assemblies and detailed component design, and fluency with GD&T compliant engineering drawings.

• Experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, analytical modeling) for structural, thermal, and fluid performance.

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing test campaigns for propulsion or high energy hardware, including test article definition, instrumentation, procedures, safety, and data review.

• Hands on experience with rocket propellants, high pressure cryogenic systems, and associated ground support equipment.

• Experience defining and supporting manufacturing processes for precision hardware (e.g., machining, welding/brazing, additive manufacturing, surface treatments) in a development or production environment, including design for manufacturability and testability.

• Familiarity with relevant aerospace and pressure systems standards (e.g., AS9100, NASA/ESA propulsion standards, pressure vessel and piping codes).

• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, and technical risk at the component or subsystem level, and to communicate trade offs and status to technical and non technical stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of requirements management, configuration control, and engineering change processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for design documentation, test reports, and technical reviews.

• Experience mentoring or leading small technical teams on complex hardware development projects, especially in fast paced or startup environments.
• Proactive mindset: identifies blockers (technical, schedule, resource, or process) early and drives them to resolution to keep the program moving.