Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer with a strong hands-on background in spacecraft hardware and propulsion system development. This hybrid role blends mechanical design, propulsion assembly and testing, spacecraft layout/architecture, and cross-functional collaboration across thermal, structural analysis, and manufacturing teamswith a strong emphasis on AIT execution and spacecraft hardware integration. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, hardware-focused environments and enjoys working from concept through fabrication, test, and flight.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on assembly and testing of propulsion systems, including tubing, heaters, sensors, valves, and other fluid-system hardware.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed part/assembly drawings, tolerance analyses, and integrated layouts optimized for tightly constrained spacecraft environments.
• Design spacecraft hardware such as brackets, enclosures, fluid-routing solutions, thermal/mechanical interfaces, and structural components.
• Generate models, documentation packages, and work instructions to support AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test) for propulsion and spacecraft mechanical hardware.
• Collaborate closely with structural, thermal, analysis, and manufacturing teams to iterate designs through the full engineering lifecyclefrom early concepts to flight-ready hardware.
• Support propulsion and mechanical test campaigns, including setup, execution, data review, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Apply aerospace standardsincluding range safety guidelines and RPUG requirementsto ensure compliance, safety, and mission success.
• Contribute to process development, continuous improvement, and flight-readiness maturation for mechanical and propulsion subsystems.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with propulsion system build-up and testing, including fluid systems, heaters, wiring/sensors, or valve integration.
• Mechanical design proficiency using modern CAD tools; experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and drawing release workflows.
• Familiarity with spacecraft packaging constraints, tight-tolerance interfaces, and multidisciplinary integration challenges.
• Working understanding of propulsion-system fundamentals, thermal behavior, or fluid dynamics is a plus.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards (range safety, RPUG, etc.) or prior experience working with flight hardware.
• Strong documentation skills and the ability to produce clear, concise technical communication.
• Effective collaborator in hands-on, cross-functional engineering environments; capable of taking hardware from bench to flight.

Education & Work Experience

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. 3+ years relevant experience.
• 3 to 5 years of on-the-job engineering experience.
• Desire to contribute to a highly hands-on engineering setting involving design, integration, testing, and flight hardware ownership.

Flexible work from home options available.