Propulsion Engineer - Advanced Spacecraft Systems
$150,000–$200,000 year
On-siteHawthorne, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead the architecture, design, and integration of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems, including engines, thrusters, and cryogenic fluid assemblies. Develop system layouts, component sizing, and interface definitions while performing propulsion, fluid, and thermal analyses to optimize performance. Create engineering drawings, documentation, and qualification test plans, then plan, execute, and troubleshoot hardware testing to identify root causes and drive iterative improvements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across propulsion, cryogenic, and thermal disciplines to deliver flight-ready hardware from concept through integration.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing propulsion, fluid, thermal, cryogenic, or mechanical systems
- Experience supporting propulsion system development, integration, testing, or flight operations
- Strong understanding of propulsion fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical system design
- Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with machining, fabrication, and assembly practices
- Experience performing engineering analysis using hand calculations, Python, MATLAB, FEA, CFD, or similar engineering tools
- Strong mechanical design skills including GD&T, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, and testing
- Ability to solve complex engineering problems using first-principles thinking
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with significant technical ownership
Desired Qualifications
- Experience developing spacecraft propulsion systems or in-space propulsion hardware
- Background with cryogenic fluid systems and thermal management
- Experience designing or testing rocket engines, electric propulsion systems, or other advanced propulsion technologies
- Familiarity with propulsion system qualification, environmental testing, and integrated vehicle testing
- Startup or early-stage aerospace hardware development experience
- Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight hardware
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