Staff Propulsion Engineer Verified today

About Agile Space Industries

Agile Space Industries designs, builds, and tests in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft precision maneuverability. Our technologies support lunar landings, resource utilization, national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport. We have achieved over 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years.

The Role

You will lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems as a Staff Propulsion Design Engineer. This role requires deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive propulsion devices from concept through production. You will interpret hot-fire test data, drive design modifications, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of hypergolic propulsion systems and components, including combustion devices, liquid rocket engines, propellant systems, and supporting components
• Establish architecture and design injectors for engines based on operational requirements including pulse mode, steady state or throttle operations
• Design and layout of storable propellant rocket engine combustion devices
• Define and conduct trade studies to design combustion chambers by balancing thermal restrictions and performance requirements
• Work with suppliers to identify appropriate valves for propellant control based on hypergol compatibility and performance requirements
• Perform system-level trade studies, modeling, and simulation to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability using tools like TDK
• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support
• Collaborate cross-functionally with structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams
• Develop and review engineering documentation, including requirements, specifications, and design reviews
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for design and test issues
• Support test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting
• Prepare formal presentations and reports for customer communication and gated product development reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives
• Utilize SolidWorks CAD for design of components and assemblies

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or higher degree in related engineering or technical field (equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
• 12+ years of experience working on development of propulsion systems
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion
• Deep understanding of fuel film cooling and regenerative cooling in bipropellant engines
• Design experience to ensure thermal stability in engines
• Experience with performance modeling tools like TDK or similar JANNAF compliant tools used in the storable propulsion industry
• Working knowledge of and experience with selection of valves for different chemical propulsion applications
• Multi-disciplined engineer confident working through ambiguity and uncertainty across complex assignments
• Proven track record of delivering hypergolic propulsion systems from concept to production
• Experience with propulsion testing and data analysis, specifically liquid propulsion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems
• Familiarity with CFD, FEA, and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink)
• 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

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.

Compensation and Employment

Salary: $144,000 - $200,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity.

Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Seattle, WA (Onsite)

Benefits

Agile Space Industries offers generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%, and eligibility to participate in our stock option plan.

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