Propulsion Engineer

SpaceWorks Propulsion Engineer

SpaceWorks Enterprises is an Atlanta-based aerospace R&D company pushing the boundaries of what's possible in high-speed flight systems, space operations, and advanced vehicle design. We work across the aerospace industry, from early-concept studies and multidisciplinary analysis to hardware prototyping and commercial software development. Our team delivers thoughtful and creative engineering solutions to customers including NASA, the Department of War, and leading commercial space organizations.

The Propulsion Engineer will work within a small, multidisciplinary team of engineers on the design, analysis, development, and evaluation of advanced propulsion systems across a wide range of applications. The role spans the full product lifecycle, from early conceptual studies and trade space exploration through ground testing and flight system development. The balance of work shifts between analytical/design tasks and hands-on hardware activities depending on program phase and need. The successful candidate brings strong fundamentals in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, and is comfortable moving fluidly between high-fidelity modeling at their desk and direct hardware support in the lab or at the test site. The position is full-time and will be located at our facilities in Atlanta, GA.

• Conduct conceptual and advanced propulsion design studies, including cycle analysis, performance trades, and system architecture assessments that may not progress to hardware
• Design, analyze, and evaluate propulsion system components — including thrust chambers, ignition systems, valves, insulation, and seals — from paper studies through fabrication and test, as program phase dictates
• Develop full-vehicle and subsystem thermal models capturing external heating environments, structural conduction, and internal temperature response
• Support mechanical, electrical, and fluid integration of propulsion system elements, including liquid propulsion systems, propellant tanks, and pressurization systems
• Participate in ground testing activities — including procedure development, execution, and data reduction — with hands-on involvement scaled to program needs
• Perform propulsion performance modeling and model validation against experimental data
• Communicate effectively with external suppliers, partners, and customers through written and verbal channels
• Brief customers across industry and U.S. government on program status, system performance, technical progress, and development roadmaps

At SpaceWorks, we believe in cultivating a culture that offers the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It is our firm belief that work-life balance is critical to strong, happy, healthy employees. As we challenge what is possible and push the boundaries of innovation, we stand together as a team. Here you will find a community that is dedicated to our mission as well as your personal goals. Here are just a few of the benefits we offer to our employees:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage options including medical, telemedicine, vision, dental, long term disability, short term disability, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules - the position is in-office at our facility in Atlanta, GA, however we do offer telework days, compressed workweek options, core hours, and flex time to provide flexibility to our employees
• Time to reset - paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
• 401k + company match, opportunities for bonuses, employee experience events throughout the year, employee assistance program, and more

What We Are Looking For:

• BS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• Fundamental understanding of propulsion systems including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion
• Interest in a variety of aerospace propulsion systems including rockets, RDREs, cold gas thrusters, turboramjets, and scramjets
• Demonstrate strategic and innovative thinking with strong technical leadership skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, collaborative environment typical of a small business
• Proficiency in computer aided design tools such as Solid Works, Unigraphics NX, CATIA, and/or PTC Creo
• Possess strong written and verbal communications skills
• Expertise with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance

Bonus Points If You Have:

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar background
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in launch vehicle, aircraft, or spacecraft systems
• Hands-on experience in liquid rocket engine integration and testing
• Fundamental understanding of dynamic environments including shock, vibration, and acoustic loads
• Experience designing structures compatible with cryogenic and non-cryogenic fluids
• Experience with pipe/tube routing and/or flexibility analysis
• Proficiency with transient fluid network modeling including tools such as GFSSP and/or ROCETS
• Familiarity with modeling in Python, C/C++, Fortran and/or MATLAB
• Familiarity with aerospace fluid components (fittings, check valves, solenoid valves, relief valves, regulators, etc.)
• Familiarity with measurement devices (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gages, etc.)
• Experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Desire to lead and manage individual contributors

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the requirements above. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!