Senior Propulsion Development Engineer
$137,000–$193,000 year
On-sitePlaya Vista, Estado de Chiapas, Mexico
Job Summary
Design, build, and test liquid and gas propulsion systems for the Arc hypersonic reentry vehicle, with emphasis on Attitude Control System thrusters, fluid feed systems, and components. Own mechanical design and analysis of fluid networks, manage hardware fabrication, author test plans and procedures, and lead hot-fire test campaigns. Work cross-functionally with structures, avionics, and software teams to integrate propulsion hardware and verify system performance against mission requirements. Requires U.S. government Secret/Top Secret clearance, in-office presence in Playa Vista, CA, and a base salary of $137,000 - $193,000.
Required Qualifications
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
- Typically 5+ years of hands-on experience in the design, build, and testing of high-pressure fluid or rocket/spacecraft propulsion systems.
- Expertise using CAD software (Siemens NX or equivalent) for mechanical packaging and fluid line routing.
- Strong foundation in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and materials compatibility.
- Experience working hands-on with high-pressure fluid components, plumbing (tubing, fittings, manifold blocks), and pneumatic systems.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write detailed test and hazard procedures.
- This position requires in office presence.
- 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Direct experience with spacecraft Attitude Control Systems (ACS), cold-gas, warm-gas, or monopropellant/bipropellant thruster systems.
- Familiarity with high-pressure gas system operations, nitrogen/helium systems, and safety-critical hazard controls.
- Experience with ANSYS Mechanical or equivalent FEA software.
- Experience using Python, MATLAB, or GFSSP for fluid system analysis.
- Prior experience performing acceptance and qualification testing of propulsion components or systems in accordance with standards such as SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000A.
- Prior experience in a fast-paced aerospace startup, collegiate rocket/propulsion team, or small independent hardware team.
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