Senior Propulsion Engineer Verified today

Role Summary

You will be a critical contributor advancing propulsion systems for Voyager's sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. Working from the Mojave office, you will take responsibility for all aspects of propulsion systems, from initial component and system sizing through design, analysis, fabrication, and test. You will report to the Propulsion Lead as part of a joint propulsion team collaborating with the Pittsburgh office.

Responsibilities

• Support the engineering team in design and test of rocket propulsion systems using cryogenic propellants
• Size components of propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, turbomachinery, tanks, and pressurization systems
• Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology
• 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 to guide vendor interactions and procurement
• Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results for component and system testing
• Contribute to and participate in technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities
• Perform risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Write and present technical reports

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 6+ years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development
• Experience with cryogenic propellants (liquid methane and liquid oxygen preferred)
• Experience in designing and analyzing high-pressure fluid and/or pneumatic systems
• Proven capability to develop conceptual designs, perform trade studies, and down select to a design baseline

Desired Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with a variety of cryogenic propulsion systems and various engine cycles
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Proficiency in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (GFSSP, RTE, RPA) and for system level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
• Familiarity with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and requirements
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDREs
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Fortran)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations, including safety requirements
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and/or qualification testing
• Experience with hypergolic liquid bipropellant engine systems, test facility design, assembly, and operation

Compensation

Base salary range: $130,000 to $160,000 USD. Actual placement depends on experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with company covering significant portion of premiums and many benefits paid at 100%
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide
• 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources

Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations including ITAR and EAR, applicants must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.