Aerospace Propulsion and System R&D Support Engineer

Tacit Edge Ltd. is actively searching for a mid-career engineer with hands-on experience in one or more aerospace propulsion disciplines, who is interested in system-level research and development. Preferred propulsion disciplines are solid rockets, gas turbines, and advanced air breathing cycles. This role is with our team supporting the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Our team serves as a support contractor to DARPA, playing a critical in program development, execution, and transition.

The position involves working on behalf of the U.S. Government, supporting research and development programs. At the discipline level, the majority of your time will be spent as the primary technical interface for a government program team of subject matter experts, and industry contractor teams. You will perform oversight, review industry contractor work, generate recommendations for the government program manager and industry, and find ways to help the industry team be successful in meeting the government program goals.

From time-to-time, you may need to perform analyses and quantitative studies as-needed. Initial propulsion disciplines involved in this role are solid rocket motors and air breathing engines for missile applications. Future projects may involve hypersonic propulsion.

This role is significantly broader than serving as a propulsion specialist. You will be a part of the broader program execution team, including generating program briefings, supporting stakeholder engagements, and providing day-to-day support to DARPA Program Managers. A successful candidate will be capable not just as a technical subject matter expert, but in performing the programmatic tasks to assure fertile ground for technical success.

This is not a managerial role with direct employee reports.

• Provide expertise and insight in propulsion system designs and integration into aircraft and weapons.
• Support verification, validation, and testing of propulsion system components and the propulsion system itself.
• Develop and support the execution of propulsion system test plans to ensure aircraft or weapon meets system-level performance specifications
• Formulate program acquisition strategy and make recommendations to the Government Program Manager
• Facilitate turning technical intent into actionable program guidance, for both internal and external audiences
• Coordinate assembling, leading, and supporting Government technical teams to oversee program execution
• Provide critical reviews of work produced under Government contracts
• Monitor and report program status and contract performance
• Develop documentation for Government contracting offices
• Communicate with the organizations executing Government contracts
• Assist in the preparation of program plans and review documentation
• Support the Government Program Manager’s outreach efforts to other Government organizations
• Communicate with Government contracting offices across a variety of Federal agencies and departments

Security Clearance:
This role requires a security clearance. Active TS/SCI clearance is desired, but candidates who have previously held Secret or Top Secret clearances may be eligible.

• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 5+ years of experience hands-on in propulsion system development and integration into aircraft and/or weapons. This is not an entry-level position.
• B.A., B.S., or higher degree from an accredited institution in relevant Engineering, Science, or Mathematics disciplines. M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
• Prior experience in Industry desirable
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks, stay well-organized, and deliver in a timely way despite a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications,…