Propulsion Engineer II, Engine Systems Verified today
About the role
As an Engine Systems Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. This highly technical role involves ownership of engine subsystems, test campaigns, data analysis, and refining designs for reliability and vehicle operations, while driving system architecture trades, managing interfaces, and optimizing requirements for the vehicle.
Success requires strong autonomy, technical expertise, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to organize complex systems into actionable plans while collaborating across teams. You will support engine analysis, simulation, testing, and tool development, bringing deep technical acumen to solve challenging problems. As a self-starter capable of leading projects with minimal oversight, you will have significant impact in a fast-growing startup environment.
What you'll do
- Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
- Develop clear requirements and deliver validated designs and hardware that meet program milestones and flight requirements.
- Execute engine test plans, including performance validation and reliability testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to distill learnings and adjust test planning.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust integration, testing, and problem solving.
- Support flight operations, including engine acceptance and post-flight analysis.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 2+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
- Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems.
- Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.
Nice to have
- Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
- Proven ability to conduct hotfire data reviews, identify blockers for testing, and ensure operational safety of engine systems.
- Experience with staged combustion rocket engines and Methyl/LOX propellant systems.
- Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and/or fluid systems analysis.
- Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and/or test/launch facility operations.
Compensation and benefits
Base salary: $100,800 to $151,200 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $110,875 to $168,825 USD. Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Benefits include company stock as part of total compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.
Working conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
US person requirement
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.