Fluids Engineer - Launch Vehicle Ground Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Onyx Aerospace is seeking Fluids Engineers at multiple experience levels to support the design, development, integration, and procurement of launch vehicle ground fluid systems.

These contract positions involve engineering systems supporting liquid oxygen (LOX), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), gaseous nitrogen (GN2), gaseous helium (GHe), RP-1, HVAC, water, fire protection, and other launch vehicle fluids.

Successful candidates will support fluid systems throughout the engineering lifecycle, from conceptual design and analysis through detailed design, procurement, supplier coordination, construction support, and commissioning.  Engineers with strong mechanical and fluid systems fundamentals who enjoy solving complex technical problems and working across multidisciplinary teams in demanding aerospace environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop launch vehicle ground support equipment (GSE) and flight fluid systems from conceptual design through released engineering documentation.
• Perform fluid systems engineering calculations, equipment sizing, flow and pressure-drop analyses, and technical evaluations.
• Develop and review piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment data sheets, engineering specifications, and material requisitions.
• Support selection, specification, procurement, and technical evaluation of fluid system components and equipment.
• Coordinate engineering activities with mechanical, structural, electrical, controls, manufacturing, construction, and other technical disciplines.
• Evaluate and resolve technical issues involving fluid system interfaces, equipment integration, and operational requirements.
• Apply applicable U.S. and European engineering codes, standards, and customer requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, supplier evaluations, and engineering issue resolution.
• Support construction, installation, system checkout, testing, and commissioning activities as required.
• Prepare engineering analyses, calculations, technical reports, specifications, procedures, and other project deliverables.
• Support applicable quality and configuration management requirements, including ASME NQA-1 or AS9100 environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Relevant engineering experience appropriate to the position level:
  • Mid-Level Engineer: Approximately 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Senior-Level Engineer: Approximately 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, fluid systems, and applicable engineering codes and standards.
• Experience supporting engineering design, analysis, or development of mechanical or fluid systems.
• Ability to develop and interpret engineering calculations, technical specifications, drawings, and design documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment (GSE), propulsion support systems, or flight fluid systems.
• Experience designing or analyzing cryogenic, high-pressure gas, liquid propellant, or industrial process fluid systems.
• Familiarity with ASME piping codes and related engineering standards.
• Experience developing or reviewing P&IDs and fluid system design documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Visio.
• Experience with CAD tools, particularly SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
• Experience using fluid system sizing and analysis tools such as AFT Arrow, AFT Fathom, NASA GFSSP, or equivalent software.
• Experience supporting equipment procurement, supplier technical evaluations, fabrication, installation, testing, or commissioning.
• Familiarity with ASME NQA-1, AS9100, or similar quality management environments.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidates will bring a solid foundation in fluid systems engineering, mechanical design, and engineering analysis , along with the ability to work across system interfaces and support practical hardware implementation.

Candidates with experience in aerospace propulsion support, cryogenic systems, industrial process piping, high-pressure gas systems, or complex fluid handling applications are encouraged to apply.

Senior-level candidates should demonstrate the ability to independently lead significant engineering activities, resolve complex technical issues, and coordinate across engineering disciplines, suppliers, and customers.

Additional Information

Multiple contract positions are anticipated at mid-level and senior experience levels.

These are contract positions supporting Onyx Aerospace customer programs . Specific assignments, work locations, contract duration, and anticipated start dates will depend on customer requirements and program needs.

Positions may be contingent upon customer authorization, contract award, and funding availability. Candidates must be able to satisfy applicable export-control, background investigation, facility-access, and customer security requirements.