Propulsion Systems Engineer

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Propulsion Systems Engineer to join our Propulsion team.

This role will be responsible for full-cycle product ownership of spacecraft propulsion systems, to include designing, building and testing of systems and components. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, and Test teams.

This is an on-site role at our Pleasanton, California or Burlington, VT location.

At Benchmark Space Systems
, we’re pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.

Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting‑edge concepts into real‑world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to problem solve, not be afraid to ask questions, and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Demonstrate full-cycle ownership of propulsion components and spacecraft propulsion systems, from requirements definition through design, build, test and flight.
• Perform fluid and thermophysical analysis to ensure reliable thermal and fluidic operation (pressure budgets, fluid systems and dynamic analysis, system modeling).
• Write and execute test plans for development and flight qualification campaigns.
• Execute on prototype hardware, support fabrication and testing as needed, to enable rapid iteration.
• Support research and development efforts to continue to advance Benchmark’s capabilities.
• Develop subject matter expertise in specific subfields of propulsion system design.
• Work with other disciplines and departments to ensure proper support of the product through its lifecycle and support the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience with aerospace fluid systems.
• U.S. Person Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and access to export-controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Knowledge of thermodynamic principles, compressible flow dynamics, and structural design.
• Experience with commercial 3D design software such as Solid Works, NX, Creo, or others.
• Proficiency in GD&T and basic manufacturing principles.
• Experience working with common propulsion/fluid system components including, but not limited to, valves, regulators, pressure transducers, pumps and tanks.
• Experience developing and working with plumbing and instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in an entrepreneurial, fast‑paced, and matrixed cross‑functional environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft fluid systems design.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑pressure, high‑energy or hazardous fluid systems.
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion,…