Propulsion Engineer

Propulsion Engineer

California – On-site

Salary Range: $120,000 - $170,000

My client is developing the next generation of in-space propulsion for the rapidly expanding space economy. From large constellations in low earth orbit to new missions and cutting-edge capabilities, the team is the key to mission success.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated engineer to join a dynamic team and have a massive impact in the organization.

Job Summary:

As Propulsion Engineer you will be at the forefront developing new propulsion capabilities to provide breakthrough mobility and maneuverability to national security and civil science missions. You will be responsible for the technical efforts of one or more development programs, from concept development & requirements definition to delivery to the customer & demonstration on-orbit. You will lead trade studies, concepts evaluation, and system sizing for future propulsion technologies and mission applications, many of which will be the first of their kind. This role requires candidate to be on-site at our Hawthorne, CA, location.

Core Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the technical effort of one or more development programs, from concept development and requirements definition to technology demonstration and delivery to the customer
• Lead trade studies, concepts evaluation, and system sizing for future propulsion technologies and mission applications
• Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for propulsion systems
• Interact with and manage engineers and technicians from all disciplines, including mechanical, fluids, electrical, ground support equipment, software, test and production flight
• Act as the technical interface with internal (management, operations, product development teams) and external stakeholders (customers, subcontractors)
• Develop test plans and analyze test results in support of test operations
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls
• Align resources to accomplish key objectives, assign clear accountability for important objectives, and set the performance bar at the highest standard of excellence

Minimum Qualifications / Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Over 5 years of direct design and development experience in the space propulsion industry (liquid and/or electric)
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.)
• CAD proficiency (Solidworks preferred)
• Knowledge of plasma physics concepts
• Experience with scientific simulation software
• Experience managing or tasking a technical team
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment

Preferred Qualifications / Skills:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Over 7 years of direct design and development experience with mechanical or fluid systems in the space propulsion industry (liquid and/or electric)
• Experience with hardware development/delivery for US government customers (DoD/NASA)
• Expert in GD&T application and analysis
• Knowledge in the use of FEA analysis tools (ANSYS preferred)
• Experience working with DoD, IC, and/or NASA
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Salary Range:

The salary range is dependent on experience:

• Engineering level: $120,000.00-$140,000.00 Annually
• Senior Engineering Level: $140,000.00-$170,000.00 Annually