Senior Propulsion Engineer

About Gravitics

At Gravitics, we're not exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions. 

Our systems are built to scale and built to last—bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future together.  

About the Role

We are looking for rockstars who can work the full product lifecycle of an in-space propulsion system from design through build and integration. You will own major fluid subsystems to develop a propulsion system that operates flawlessly regardless of the mission.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test propulsion fluid systems, including feed systems, tank pressurization, propellant management, and associated fluid components
• Take ownership of propulsion subsystem architecture elements, from concept definition through hardware integration and test
• Lead system-level trade studies to evaluate performance, weight, power, and cost
• Plan and execute propulsion integration and test campaigns, including component, subsystem, and full vehicle testing
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation such as requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, and fluid system schematics
• Work cross-functionally with structures, thermal, avionics, and GNC teams to ensure propulsion system compatibility with vehicle-level performance
• Support environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and leak/proof pressure testing

About You

You’re a successful candidate if you are a giver, not a taker. You make things happen. You are exceptional at several things, yet willing to take on efforts in areas of weakness. 

Required Attributes

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another applicable field
• Working knowledge of propulsion or fluid system components (feed systems, pressurization, valves, regulators, or similar)
• Exposure to one or more of the following:
• Liquid or gas propulsion system design
• Propellant management and fluid handling
• Hardware assembly, integration, and functional testing
• Thermodynamic or fluid dynamics analysis
• Ability to understand structural, fluid, and thermal designs from first principles

• Familiarity with CAD and FEA packages such as NX and NASTRAN or similar
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment with evolving requirements and a high degree of ownership

Bonus Points for

• Background in feed system design, pressurant system sizing, or propellant budgeting
• Hands-on experience assembling, integrating, and testing fluid system hardware
• Familiarity with propulsion-specific test environments, including proof/leak testing, hotfire testing, or pressure system qualification
• Experience conducting trade studies and optimizing propulsion system performance, weight, and reliability
• Familiarity with combustion, propellant chemistry, or reaction control system (RCS) design
• Experience with CFD, thermal fluid system modeling, and/or combustion modeling tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink, ROCETS, GFSSP, CEA, TDK)
• Experience in high-reliability or safety-critical fluid systems with formal verification and validation practices
• Demonstrated ability to drive complex propulsion hardware from early design through acceptance testing
• Prior experience at launch vehicle, spacecraft, or propulsion-focused organizations
• Genuine enthusiasm for advancing propulsion technology and contributing to next-generation space systems
• Proficient understanding of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Compensation and Benefits

For Marysville, WA, the expected base salary range for this role is $135,000 - 160,000. Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience. Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more. 

About Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.