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Senior Propulsion Development Engineer Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-09-03
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Advanced Reentry Technologies

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology. The company's highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and national security missions requiring precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates spacecraft under one roof in Los Angeles.

Position Overview

As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, you will design, build, and test liquid and gas propulsion systems for Arc with emphasis on Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters, fluid feed systems, and propulsion components. You will own the mechanical design and analysis of fluid networks, manage hardware fabrication, author test plans and procedures, and lead hot-fire test campaigns. You will work cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, and test teams to physically integrate propulsion hardware into the vehicle and verify system performance against mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and analyze propulsion systems, including ACS thrusters, fluid feed systems, and high-pressure fluid networks.
  • Create mechanical designs, CAD layouts, and fluid line routing for propulsion hardware.
  • Lead hardware fabrication, integration, and troubleshooting of propulsion components and systems.
  • Author test plans, procedures, and reports, and lead hot-fire and propulsion test campaigns.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with structures, avionics, software, and test teams to integrate hardware and verify system performance.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
  • Typically 5+ years of hands-on experience in the design, build, and testing of high-pressure fluid or rocket/spacecraft propulsion systems.
  • Expertise using CAD software (Siemens NX or equivalent) for mechanical packaging and fluid line routing.
  • Strong foundation in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and materials compatibility.
  • Experience working hands-on with high-pressure fluid components, plumbing (tubing, fittings, manifold blocks), and pneumatic systems.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write detailed test and hazard procedures.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Direct experience with spacecraft Attitude Control Systems (ACS), cold-gas, warm-gas, or monopropellant/bipropellant thruster systems.
  • Familiarity with high-pressure gas system operations, nitrogen/helium systems, and safety-critical hazard controls.
  • Experience with ANSYS Mechanical or equivalent FEA software.
  • Experience using Python, MATLAB, or GFSSP for fluid system analysis.
  • Prior experience performing acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion components or systems in accordance with standards such as SMC-S-016 and GSFC-STD-7000A.
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced aerospace startup, collegiate rocket/propulsion team, or small independent hardware team.

Location and Compensation

This position requires in-office presence at our Playa Vista, CA headquarters. California annual base salary: $137,000 to $193,000. Pay determined on a case-by-case basis based on role, level, location, market data, interviews, skills, education, experience, and certifications.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.