Propulsion SME Engineer - Thruster Systems

Position Summary

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Propulsion SME Engineer - Thruster Systems to own the end-to-end technical execution of a bipropellant thruster from requirements definition through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness. You will lead cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver to aggressive cost and schedule targets while maintaining safety and configuration discipline. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on propulsion hardware experience with strong technical leadership, clear communication, and a bias for execution.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Owns the end-to-end technical execution of bipropellant thruster assemblies including combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, igniters, and associated valves/instrumentation - from requirements through, design, build, integration, test and flight readiness.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in thruster design, providing technical authority on system architecture, sizing, fluid/thermal/structural analyses, materials/manufacturability, and performance optimization across the full development lifecycle.
• Perform detailed modeling, analysis and simulation of thruster assemblies using tools such as ANSYS, Fluent, TDK, CEA, etc to evaluate combustion performance, thermal effects, structural margins and transient behaviors.
• Perform component sizing and selection for thruster assemblies, ensuring compatibility with performance, thermal, structural, safety and compatibility requirements.
• Design, plan and execute thruster development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns define instrumentation requirements, execute test planning and perform data correlation to anchor and validate analytical models.
• Lead and participate in internal and external design and gate reviews, trade studies, and subassembly integration activities; ensure compliance with system requirements and program milestones
• Coordinate and manage technical requirements and design verification activities with external vendors and suppliers, interface on cost, schedule, design, manufacturing, and acceptance
• Lead and participate in trade studies, component selection, and subassembly design and integration analyses in support of thruster development programs
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers
• Responsible for delivering against performance, safety, cost, and schedule targets

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline required; advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion, with demonstrated depth in thruster or liquid rocket engine design and development
• Significant hands-on experience with engine/thruster design, development, qualification, and integration - including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters, and thermal management interfaces
• Expertise in combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics with demonstrated application to thruster performance and thermal analysis
• Experience developing and executing test campaigns including test planning, instrumentation selection, and data correlation
• Propulsion component experience spanning valves, filters, regulators, manifolds, and instrumentation interfacing with thruster assemblies
• 3D modeling software experience; SolidWorks preferred

Grit

• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• Perseverance
• Resourceful, adaptable

Skills

• Executes priorities with precision and pace
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Competencies

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Sense of Urgency
• Extreme Ownership
• Execution and Delivery
• Efficiency
• Effectiveness

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)