Senior Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About the Role
The Senior Propulsion Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems designs, builds, tests, and operates propulsion systems for spacecraft including lunar landers. You will report to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of new propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers
- Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
- Create conceptual and detailed designs of hypergol-based propulsion systems including tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines, and pressurization systems
- Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
- Create integration instructions and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
- Contribute to technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities of propulsion system components, including on-site support of vendor-supplied hardware when necessary
- Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, OR a Master's Degree with 6 years of related experience
- Knowledge of propulsion system architecture, best practices, components, and suppliers
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers aligned to a common goal in a multi-year project
- Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems
- Component specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for components such as valves, pressure vessels, pumps, thrusters, instrumentation
- Ability to drive technical rigor in engineering design and verification to meet quality requirements
- Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations
Preferred Qualifications
- Senior-level experience with hypergolic propulsion systems
- Experience with fluid system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop or Amesim preferred)
- Experience with space and/or lunar systems, environments, and design considerations
- Familiarity with propulsion system and spacecraft cleanliness standards
- Experience with hypergolic fluids handling and safety
- Test facility design, assembly, and operation
Travel and Physical Requirements
- Occasional travel, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to a week when on-site support is required
- Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds
- ITAR access required
Compensation and Benefits
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with company covering significant portion of premiums
- 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships
- Company wellness programs for physical and mental well-being
- Relocation assistance provided for qualified candidates moving to Pittsburgh, PA