Principal Vehicle Design Engineer

About the Job:

Job Title: Principal Vehicle Design Engineer

Location: Broomfield, CO

Clearance: US Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Company:

Astra Core-X (ACX), founded in 2025, is focused on delivering disruptive cost and producibility advantages through advanced additive manufacturing. The company is pioneering high-Mach propulsion systems that enable the next generation of affordable, scalable defense capabilities. ACX combines cutting-edge engineering with modern manufacturing techniques to rapidly develop and field high-performance propulsion solutions. Team members collaborate in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes innovation, reliability, and mission impact for defense and security applications.

Job Description:

The Principal Vehicle Design Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in the Denver Metropolitan Area. This role is responsible for leading design of high-Mach propulsion systems into flight vehicles, including defining interfaces, ensuring system compatibility, and resolving cross-functional engineering issues. Day-to-day tasks include performing system-level analyses, developing integration plans, reviewing designs and test data, and coordinating with propulsion, structures, avionics, and software teams. The Principal Vehicle Design Engineer will oversee and support design, integration, & test campaigns, troubleshoot anomalies, and drive design changes to meet performance, safety, and producibility targets. This role also contributes to technical roadmaps, mentors other engineers, and supports customer and program reviews with clear documentation and presentations.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead vehicle-level design and integration of propulsion, controls, aerodynamics, structures, and avionics.

· Develop and maintain architecture models, mass properties, center of gravity/stability margins.

· Perform trade studies and requirements allocations for performance, weight, and space.

· Create system level 3-D CAD assemblies for integration reviews.

· Coordinate with component leads (propulsion, structures, CFD, test) to manage interfaces.

· Establish systems engineering artifacts (requirements, verification matrix, ICDs).

· Support simulation activities with input to GNC and CFD teams.

· Participate in design reviews, hazard analyses, and test readiness reviews.

Required Qualifications:

· B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.

· 10+ years’ experience in aerospace vehicle design or systems integration.

· Experience with multi-discipline design of propulsion systems, missile or launch vehicles.

· Strong systems thinking with demonstrable integration deliverables (ICDs, PODs, integration plans).

· Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, CREO, NX, CATIA) and systems engineering tools.

· Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

· U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications:

· M.S. or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.

· 15+ years’ experience in aerospace vehicle design or systems integration.

· Experience with integrated air-breathing/rocket systems, hypersonic vehicles, or tactical missiles.

· Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) processes.

· Experience in lead design of complex aerospace vehicles across multiple disciplines.

· Active US government security clearance

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this role is $150K-$200K, depending on experience and scope. ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

Equal Opportunity:

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.