Senior Rocket Propulsion Engineer

• Base Pay $ - $ / 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 a Senior Rocket Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced solid rocket motors and propulsion systems supporting VALT's hypersonic research and development programs and commercial customer initiatives. This role is focused on major solid rocket motor development, including propulsion system architecture, propellant and grain design, motor design, internal ballistics, combustion performance, analysis, and system integration throughout the design-build-test lifecycle.

You will apply extensive solid rocket propulsion experience and advanced engineering judgment to solve complex technical challenges, refine motor designs, evaluate analytical and test data, and mature propulsion concepts from initial design through qualification and flight readiness. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and test teams in VALT's fast-paced, experimental R&D environment while providing technical leadership and mentorship throughout propulsion development efforts.

• Lead the design, development, analysis, and optimization of advanced solid rocket motors and propulsion systems
• Lead major solid rocket motor development efforts from concept through qualification, applying advanced engineering principles throughout the design-build-test lifecycle
• Develop and refine propellant formulations, grain geometries, motor architectures, and propulsion system designs to achieve performance, reliability, manufacturability, mission, and customer objectives
• Lead the design and integration of critical motor components and subsystems, including motor casings, nozzles, ignition systems, propellant grains, and associated interfaces
• Perform advanced propulsion analyses, including internal ballistics, combustion performance, thermal analysis, structural assessments, and motor performance prediction
• Develop analytical models, evaluate simulation results, and interpret propulsion test data to validate design assumptions and drive iterative design improvements
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations teams throughout the design and development process
• Lead technical investigations and root cause analyses related to propulsion system performance, design challenges, and test results
• Lead and participate in technical design reviews and engineering trade studies, providing recommendations and influencing critical propulsion design decisions
• Prepare and review engineering analyses, technical reports, design documentation, specifications, drawings, and test plans
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to propulsion engineers and other technical team members
• Support the continued advancement of VALT's solid rocket propulsion technologies, engineering methods, and development capabilities

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of professional engineering experience in solid rocket propulsion, including significant experience leading or serving in a key technical role in the design and development of major solid rocket motor systems
• Demonstrated expertise in solid rocket motor design and development, including propellant formulation, grain geometry, motor architecture,…