Senior Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About the Role
Voyager seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer to advance propulsion system development for sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. You will work on all aspects of propulsion systems, from initial component and system sizing through design, analysis, fabrication, and test. You will report to the Propulsion Lead and collaborate with the Pittsburgh office propulsion team.
Responsibilities
- Support design and test of rocket propulsion systems using cryogenic propellants
- Size components including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, turbomachinery, tanks, and pressurization systems
- Design and analyze combustion device elements: injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels
- Build and run propulsion system fluid-thermal models to predict component and system behavior
- Perform trade studies to guide design and operational decisions
- Lead creation of hardware drawings to support manufacturing
- Create component specifications for vendor interactions and procurement
- Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results
- Participate in technical readiness and safety reviews
- Perform risk assessment and mitigation planning
- Write and present technical reports
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 6+ years relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development
- Experience with cryogenic propellants (liquid methane and liquid oxygen preferred)
- Experience designing and analyzing high-pressure fluid and pneumatic systems
- Proven capability to develop conceptual designs, perform trade studies, and select design baselines
Desired Qualifications
- M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience with multiple cryogenic propulsion systems and engine cycles
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX)
- Additive manufacturing in engine design
- Fluid/thermal software: GFSSP, RTE, RPA, Amesim, or Thermal Desktop
- CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
- Fast-paced task ownership and prioritization in changing environments
- Advanced rocket engine designs, especially RDREs
- Analytical/scientific programming: Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Fortran
- Hands-on fabrication skills with pathfinder hardware
- Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations
- Rocket turbopumps
- Pressure vessel design, fabrication, and qualification testing
- Hypergolic liquid bipropellant engine systems and test facility experience
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $130,000 to $160,000 USD. Relocation assistance provided for qualified candidates moving to Mojave, CA.
- Flexible Time Off
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible gym memberships nationwide
- 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
- Company wellness programs
Requirements
To conform to U.S. export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicants must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. Section 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.
