Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Propulsion Staff Engineer – Thruster Systems

Job Description

The Propulsion Staff Engineer – Thruster Systems owns the end-to-end technical execution of bipropellant thruster systems, from requirements definition through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness. This role leads cross‑functional teams and external suppliers to deliver high‑performance thruster hardware that meets aggressive cost and schedule targets while maintaining rigorous safety, quality, and configuration control standards. The position is ideal for a hands‑on propulsion expert who combines deep technical capability with strong leadership, clear communication, and a decisive bias toward execution and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end technical execution of bipropellant thruster systems and propellant feed systems, from requirements definition through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for propellant feed systems, acting as the technical authority on system architecture, pressure vessels (COPVs and tanks), flow control components (valves and regulators), and instrumentation across the full development lifecycle.
• Lead technical delivery to meet performance, safety, cost, and schedule objectives for thruster and feed system hardware.
• Plan, assign, and coordinate work across internal team members and cross‑functional partners, leading daily standups and proactively escalating risks, issues, and blockers.
• Develop and manage execution plans, schedules, and priorities to achieve critical program milestones for thruster and propulsion subsystems.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to early‑career engineers working on propulsion systems and related subsystems.
• Lead and actively participate in design reviews, gate reviews, and technical forums with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring robust technical decisions and configuration control.
• Drive trade studies, component selection, subassembly design and integration, analysis, and testing for thrusters, feed systems, and associated hardware.
• Coordinate with suppliers on design, manufacturing, and verification activities, ensuring components meet technical, quality, and schedule requirements.
• Apply modeling, analysis, and simulation tools to predict system performance and verify compliance with requirements, including thermal, fluid, and structural considerations.
• Develop and execute test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation selection, data collection, and data correlation for thrusters and propulsion components.
• Oversee integration of propulsion components such as injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters, valves, filters, regulators, manifolds, and instrumentation into complete thruster assemblies.
• Maintain rigorous safety, quality, and configuration control standards throughout design, build, test, and flight readiness activities.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion engineers and multidisciplinary teams to support station and next‑generation space station programs.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience as a Propulsion Engineer.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion, with demonstrated depth in thruster or liquid rocket engine design and development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Significant hands-on experience with engine and thruster design, development, qualification, and integration, including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters, and thermal management interfaces.
• Expertise in combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics with demonstrated application to thruster performance and thermal analysis.
• Experience developing and executing test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation selection, and data correlation for propulsion systems.
• Propulsion component experience spanning valves, filters, regulators, manifolds, and instrumentation interfacing with thruster assemblies.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling software, with SolidWorks preferred, for detailed design and integration of propulsion components.
• Strong systems engineering mindset with the ability to own requirements, architecture, and verification for complex propulsion systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams and coordinate with external suppliers to meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Clear, concise technical communication skills, both written and verbal, suitable for design reviews, technical forums, and stakeholder updates.
• Demonstrated bias toward execution, delivery, and accountability in fast‑paced development environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related disciplines with a focus on propulsion systems.
• Experience with analysis and modeling tools for propulsion and fluid systems, such as ANSYS, Easy5, GFSSP, and TDK.
• Experience in spacecraft or station programs, including new product development for spaceflight hardware.
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices across the full lifecycle, from concept through flight readiness.
• Experience performing trade studies, component down‑selection, and subassembly integration for complex propulsion architectures.
• Ability to mentor and coach early‑career engineers, fostering strong engineering rigor and good development practices.
• Comfortable working in an environment that balances analytical work, hands‑on hardware interaction, and frequent collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Interest in contributing to next‑generation space station and spacecraft programs with significant hands‑on involvement.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, on‑site role based in a highly collaborative engineering environment, with no hybrid option. The work mix is approximately one‑third technical work on paper and design activities, one‑third hands‑on technical testing of components, and one‑third collaboration with internal teams and external vendors. You will work closely with propulsion engineers and multidisciplinary partners on station and next‑generation space station programs, using modern 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks and advanced analysis and simulation software. The environment emphasizes rigorous safety and quality standards, clear configuration control, and structured technical reviews, while also offering the opportunity to own critical hardware and see it through to flight readiness.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.