Associate Rocket Propulsion Engineer

• Base Pay $85,000.00 - $ / Year
• Employee Type E Exempt

VALT Enter prizes, Inc. is revolutionizing aerospace with cutting‑edge hypersonic research and development to pioneer America’s first‑of‑its‑kind hypersonic launch system, combining rocket and air‑breathing propulsion to empower our nation’s warfighters with the tools they need to safeguard our country. We envision a world where access to space is no longer a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all. Our team is driven by data, fueled by passion, and united by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience.

Challenges are embraced head‑on in a culture that values creativity, determination, and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and making history – together.

We are seeking an Associate Rocket Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, and testing of solid rocket propulsion systems supporting VALT’s hypersonic programs. This role is heavily focused on hands‑on propellant processing and mixing within a laboratory and manufacturing environment. You will support propellant formulation activities, execute precise material preparation and batching procedures, and contribute to iterative formulation improvements under the guidance of senior engineers.

A high level of attention to detail, process discipline, and safety awareness is required when working with energetic materials. You will collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross‑disciplinary teams in a fast‑paced, experimental R&D environment.

• Execute precise material preparation and laboratory procedures in accordance with established safety and process controls
• Assist with motor casting, integration, and inspection activities to ensure quality and performance consistency
• Support the research, development, and refinement of solid rocket propellant formulations, including hands‑on propellant mixing, batching, processing, and basic material characterization
• Participate in ground testing of solid rocket motors, including test set‑up, execution support, data collection, and basic post‑test analysis
• Contribute to iterative formulation improvements under senior engineer guidance based on test data and performance trends
• Provide support to senior engineers in the evaluation of ablative materials and thermal protection systems for solid rocket motor applications, as needed
• Support internal ballistics evaluations and basic propulsion analyses under guidance, including review of chamber pressure, thrust, and burn behavior
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams to support active development programs
• Test, document and prepare qualification documents

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. OR
• In lieu of educational requirements, 5 years of casting experience
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works) to support basic modeling and documentation tasks
• Willingness and ability to perform hands‑on engineering work in a laboratory and test environment
• Strong attention to detail, process discipline, and ability to follow established procedures
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, as required by government contracts

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in propulsion, energetics, materials, or related engineering environments (internships, co‑ops, academic research, or lab experience applicable)
• Demonstrated hands‑on laboratory or manufacturing experience
• Direct experience with propellant mixing, batching, or formulation activities in a laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Academic, internship, or research experience related to solid rocket propulsion, energetic materials, or materials characterization
• Familiarity with thermochemical and propulsion analysis tools (e.g., ProPEP, CEAM, CHEM, or similar)
• Basic understanding of solid rocket motor concepts, including internal ballistics and burn behavior
• Experience supporting test activities, including data collection and basic post‑test analysis
• Profic…