Propulsion Engineer We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support the development of advanced propulsion and flight vehicle systems. This role combines propulsion design, aerodynamics, modeling, simulation, and hands-on testing. The ideal candidate can translate mission-level requirements into practical engineering solutions and move confidently between first-principles calculations, simplified models, CFD simulations, and physical testing.
Key Responsibilities:
Translate mission and performance requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters.
Perform rapid engineering analysis using hand calculations, analytical models, simulation tools, and CFD.Design and evaluate solid rocket motors, nozzle geometries, propellant grain geometries, ignition systems, and related components.
Model internal ballistics, pressure dynamics, burn-rate behavior, and pressure coupling in solid-propellant systems.
Optimize propellant grain and core geometries to achieve target thrust profiles and burn characteristics.
Analyze thermal and structural loads associated with propulsion systems.
Evaluate external aerodynamics across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flight regimes.
Calculate and validate drag components, aerodynamic coefficients, flight stability, and center-of-pressure versus center-of-gravity relationships.
Develop and run CFD simulations to validate assumptions and improve designs.
Write code to automate engineering analysis, simulation workflows, and performance modeling.
Work closely with manufacturing, systems engineering, and testing teams to translate designs into functional hardware.
Support ground and flight testing, diagnose performance issues, and rapidly incorporate findings into design improvements.
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience, orMaster's degree or PhD with 1–2 years of relevant experience.
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
- Strong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Experience with CFD modeling; ANSYS Fluent is preferred.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or another engineering analysis language.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Onshape, or an equivalent platform.
- Ability to perform accurate first-order engineering calculations.
- Experience translating performance requirements into engineering design constraints.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Propulsion ExperienceExperience in several of the following areas is preferred:
- Internal ballistics and solid-propellant behavior
- Burn-rate dynamics and pressure coupling
- Solid rocket motor design
- Nozzle geometry and performance
- Propellant grain and core geometry optimization
- Ignition systems
- Insulation and high-temperature materials
- Pressure vessel design and analysis
- Structural and thermal analysis
- High-temperature gas flow
- Solid-propellant formulation
- Aerodynamics ExperienceExperience in several of the following areas is preferred:
- External aerodynamics of flight vehicles
- Missile or projectile design
- Flight mechanics and trajectory modeling
- Aerodynamic coefficient modeling
- Center-of-pressure and center-of-gravity relationships
- Subsonic through supersonic flow regimes
- Drag component analysis
- Flight envelope and stability analysis
- Guidance, navigation, and control systems
Ideal Candidate:
The successful candidate:
Is comfortable solving complex physics problems from first principles.
Can move between hand calculations, simplified models, and high-fidelity simulations while maintaining strong engineering intuition.
Makes timely decisions supported by sound technical analysis.
Can move projects forward without waiting for perfect information.
Enjoys solving difficult and unconventional engineering problems.
Is hands-on and willing to work across propulsion, aerodynamics, manufacturing, testing, and system integration.
Is motivated by designing, building, and testing real hardware.
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, adaptability, accountability, and a strong bias for action.
Export-Control Requirements:
To comply with U.S. government export-control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, a qualifying refugee or asylee, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required government authorization.
