Principal Propulsion Engineer (PPMS)

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine delivers historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Principal Propulsion Engineer  

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of Propellant & Pressure Management (PPMS) systems in mass and volume constrained environments. You will be responsible for taking designs from concepts to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working with a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and able to clearly share knowledge to improve the team around them. 

• Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion sub-systems and full up stage tests. 
• Generate CAD models of components and engine systems. 
• Fluid network modeling, analysis and design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, work with propulsion components team to identify COTS or custom components for fluid systems. 
• Generate P&ID’s of engine systems. 
• Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results. 
• Systems engineering experience focusing on generating engine balances, engine sizing and requirements, technical understanding of various engine cycles, and trading cycle efficiencies of various engine cycles.  
• Use engine P&IDs to generate fully detailed CAD models of engine assemblies. 
• Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks. 
• Design and analyze tanks and supporting tank structures and PPMS. 
• Work with vehicle engineering and test teams to satisfy engine systems design requirements and communicate engine systems test requirements. 
• Work with outside vendors and in-house procurement team to select and source components for engine and PPMS systems. 

• 10+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience.  
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. 
• Systems engineering and operational experience. 
• Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams. 
• Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads. 
• Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications. 
• The ideal candidate will be a multi-disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design and analysis, engine testing and hot-fire data analysis, hands-on experience with assembling and testing propulsion systems, generating complex CAD models and designing for manufacturing (DFM), fluent in first order thermodynamic trades for quick system comparisons, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• 5+ years of CAD experience, particularly working with large assemblies. 
• Experience in some of the design and analysis tools such as NX / SolidWorks, ANSYS mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, Microsoft Visio 
• Strong communication skills to effectively work in a hybrid in-person/remote work environment in Oceanside-CA 

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering  
• Experience with RDREs or RDEs  
• Work with mass and volume constrained systems. 
• Project management/leadership
• Familiarity with Agile methods  
• Strong background in systems engineering for engine or PPMS systems  
• Engine and/or engine component testing  
• Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA STD-5012, AIAA S-080A-2018, ANSI/ISA 5.1 
• Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing 

Location:

This is a full-time salaried position with the flexibility of working hybrid from our Oceanside-CA location with travel to Venus Aerospace HQ in Houston-TX. Approximately three weeks of travel per year, with additional trips possible for hardware or operational support needs.

Benefits:

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR   here.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email  View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.