Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Quick Facts

• Early-career propulsion hardware role supporting deep space exploration

Description

Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer role focused on propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems. You’ll support design and analysis using core engineering fundamentals, build models/tools and CAD artifacts, and contribute to hardware assembly/integration and component/system testing. You will also investigate anomalies and help prepare certification and safety/cleanliness documentation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems
• Support design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies
• Perform fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses
• Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software
• Develop and review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software
• Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments
• Assist with selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes
• Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments
• Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis
• Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing
• Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents
• Investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results
• Support preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and certification products
• Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft
• Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements
• Assist propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles
• Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned
• Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractors
• Prepare and present technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations
• Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (minimum)
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams
• Willingness to participate in both analytical and hands-on engineering activities
• Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes
• Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change
• Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments
• Ability and willingness to travel when required

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules and opportunities to work remotely
• Educational reimbursement
• Retirement benefits (401K, Roth)
• Health benefits and tax saving options
• Disability benefits and life/accident insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Parental and pregnancy leave