Propulsion Engineer - Engine Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Propulsion Engineer - Engine Lead to own the end-to-end technical execution of a bipropellant engine assembly 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.

• Own the end-to-end technical execution of a bipropellant engine assembly from requirements through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness.
• Subject Matter Expert in engine and nozzle design, providing technical authority on architecture, sizing, fluid/thermal/structural analyses, materials/manufacturability, and performance optimization across the full development lifecycle.
• Technical lead responsible for delivering performance, safety, cost, and schedule targets.
• Plan and delegate work across team members and cross-functional teams, lead daily standups, and escalate risks, issues, and blockers to ensure timely execution.
• Plan, schedule, prioritize and execute team scope and goals to meet critical milestones.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Lead and participate in design and gate reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and participate in trade studies, component selection, subassembly design and integration, analyses and tests, and vendor/supplier coordination.
• Utilize modeling, analysis, and simulation tools to estimate system performance and ensure compliance.
• Manage and interface with external vendors on cost, schedule, design, manufacturing, and verification activities.
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics required
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading technical teams
• Expertise in combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics including familiarity with corresponding analysis toolsets such as ANSYS, Easy5, Fluent, GFSSP, TDK
• Significant experience with engine/thruster design, development, qualification, and integration
• Propulsion component experience including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters, thermal management features and interfaces to valves/instrumentation/etc
• Experience developing and executing test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation selection, and data correlation
• 3D modeling software knowledge, Solid Works is preferred
• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results

• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Core 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
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

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

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Managemen…