Lead Propulsion Design Engineer

Location: (On-site) LA , CA.

Salary:up to $190,000 base

Industry: Spacecraft Propulsion, Chemical Propulsion

We're working with an established and growing spacecraft propulsion company looking for a Lead Propulsion Development Engineer to lead the development of chemical propulsion engines used in space.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, combining approximately 70% engineering with 30% people management
, leading a team of around 10 engineers.

You'll take full ownership of propulsion hardware from initial concept and design through prototyping, testing, qualification and flight support.

With flight-proven technology, regular on-site hot-fire testing and new spacecraft programmes underway, this is an opportunity to lead the development of real hardware that's making its way into space.

• Lead end-to-end development of chemical propulsion engines, from requirements through design, build, testing and qualification.
• Manage and mentor a team of approximately 10 propulsion engineers, while remaining actively involved in technical work.
• Design and oversee combustion components, engine assemblies and associated propulsion hardware.
• Perform thermal, fluid and structural analysis, including pressure budgets and heat transfer calculations.
• Lead development and qualification testing, including test planning, execution and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with mechanical design, production and test teams to develop flight-ready hardware.
• Act as the technical point of contact for customers and help shape future propulsion engine designs.

• 5+ years' experience designing rocket engines, combustion devices or closely related propulsion hardware.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible flow, fluid systems and mechanical design.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Solid Works, Creo or NX.
• Understanding of GD&T, manufacturing processes and hardware development.
• Experience leading engineers or the ability to step into a hands-on technical management position.
• U.S. person status required.

• Liquid rocket engines or spacecraft chemical propulsion systems.
• High-pressure, hazardous or high-energy fluid systems.
• Thrusters, valves, regulators, pumps or combustion devices.
• Development and qualification testing of propulsion hardware.
• ANSYS, Thermal Desktop or similar thermal/fluid analysis tools.
• Previous people management within an engineering development environment.

Candidates from launch vehicles, liquid-propellant missile systems or related high-pressure fluid and combustion applications are encouraged to apply.

• Technical leadership without stepping away from engineering: Approximately 70% hands-on technical work.
• Real flight hardware: Work on established propulsion technology with proven spaceflight heritage.
• Hands-on testing: Regular on-site hot-fire testing and rapid hardware development.
• Engineering ownership: Take products from initial concept all the way through qualification and flight support.
• Team leadership: Develop and mentor a team while influencing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion technology.