Propulsion Engineer

Overview

You will help design, build, and test the solid rocket motor for our two interceptor platforms. You’ll own motor components and test campaigns, from design through static fire. You’ll report to the Senior Propulsion Engineer, who will review your work and help you grow.

You’ll also work alongside the mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics engineers. At our size, you’ll get more hands-on time with real motors than you would almost anywhere else.

What You’ll Do

Design motor components

• Design motor components, such as nozzles, igniters, closures, insulation, and case hardware, with guidance from the Senior Propulsion Engineer.
• Build CAD models and make clear drawings for fabrication.
• Run internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses to support design decisions.

Build and test

• Prepare for and run static fires, pressure tests, and temperature-conditioned tests.
• Design and build test fixtures, plumbing, and instrumentation, including pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, and high-speed cameras.
• Set up data acquisition systems, reduce test data, and compare the results against predictions.
• Work with vendors and machine shops to get parts made, and inspect them when they arrive.

Work safely with energetics

• Follow and help improve safety procedures for handling, storing, and testing energetic materials.
• Work with external test ranges and energetics facilities during test campaigns.

Collaborate

• Support motor integration with the mechanical and avionics teams.
• Present your work in design reviews and take feedback well.
• Support flight tests, including data collection and post-flight analysis.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience with propulsion hardware or high-pressure systems. Student rocketry or similar project teams count.
• Working knowledge of rocket propulsion, including internal ballistics, combustion, and heat transfer.
• Solid CAD skills, including parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Hands-on test experience, such as instrumentation, data acquisition, or test operations.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for analysis.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). [Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance.]

Nice to Have

• Experience with solid rocket motor design, manufacturing, or static fires.
• High-power rocketry certification (NAR or Tripoli).
• Familiarity with solid propellant chemistry or casting processes.
• Experience with high-speed DAQ, strain gauges, and high-speed cameras.
• Hands-on build experience, including machining, plumbing, and test fixture design.
• Experience with propulsion analysis tools (e.g., CEA, internal ballistics codes, or CFD).

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $100,000 – $130,000 per year.