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Staff Propulsion Engineer Verified today

Agile Space Industries · Durango, CO · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Agile Space Industries

Agile Space Industries designs, builds, and tests in-space propulsion systems for spacecraft maneuvering, lunar landings, resource utilization, national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado with operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Seattle, Washington, the company has achieved over 40% year-over-year growth for three consecutive years.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems. You will drive Agile's propulsion devices from concept through production, interpret hot-fire test data, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers on sound design practices.

Your Responsibilities

  • Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.
  • Lead the design and development of liquid propulsion systems and combustion devices, including engines, injectors, chambers, and propellant feed systems.
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to Agile's long-term propulsion technology roadmap.
  • Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
  • Prepare and review engineering documentation, requirements, specifications, and major design review packages (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
  • Collaborate closely with structures, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to drive integrated solutions.
  • Support hot-fire test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and design iteration.
  • Perform system-level trade studies, performance modeling, and design optimization focused on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and thermal stability.

Requirements

Staff Level

  • B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 12+ years of experience developing propulsion systems or related aerospace hardware.
  • Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
  • Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.
  • Experience supporting propulsion testing and interpreting test data.
  • Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks.
  • Demonstrated ability to own hardware development from concept through testing.

Senior Staff Level

  • All Staff Level qualifications, plus:
  • Demonstrated technical leadership across complex propulsion development efforts.
  • Experience leading propulsion architecture trades and major design decisions.
  • Proven track record delivering propulsion hardware through qualification and production.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical work products.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams through technical challenges and ambiguity.

Principal Level

  • All Staff and Senior Staff Level qualifications, plus:
  • Recognized subject matter expertise in propulsion system design and development.
  • Experience defining propulsion technology roadmaps, system architectures, or strategic technical direction.
  • Proven record of leading large-scale propulsion programs or highly complex technical efforts.
  • Ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor senior engineers.
  • Experience serving as a primary technical authority during customer engagements and major design reviews.

This position is open across multiple levels (Staff, Senior Staff, and Principal). Final leveling will be determined based on your experience, skills, and overall qualifications during the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems.
  • Familiarity with CFD, FEA, and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink) to understand analysis results.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, machining, and casting.
  • Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense).
  • Knowledge of combustion instabilities.
  • Prior technical leadership, project ownership and/or people management experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $144,000 to $200,000 annually. Final compensation is based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically determined within the midrange. The posted salary band reflects compensation for candidates located in Colorado in compliance with state law. If you are located in another state, contact HR to inquire about the applicable compensation band.

Benefits include generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%, relocation assistance for qualified candidates, and eligibility to participate in the stock option plan.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.