1214 - Propulsion Engineer or Technician

Monte Sano Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Monte Sano Research Corporation, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is looking for experienced Engineers and Technicians to support solid rocket motor propulsion projects. The successful candidates will lead activities related to design, testing, and production of solid rocket motors and provide hands-on technical support for daily operations.

Candidates must have a strong background in propulsion with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A Bachelor of Science in a relevant discipline is required for engineers, while technicians need a High School Diploma or GED. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and able to maintain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production propulsion or rocket motor manufacturing.
• Comprehensive understanding of rocket propulsion principles.
• Experience working in a DoD or R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, testing, and production of solid rocket motors.
• Provide hands-on technical support for daily propulsion operations.
• Utilize product specifications and SOPs to complete assigned tasks.

Skills

Rocket propulsion principles

Teamwork and collaboration

Safety protocols

Technical support

Education

Bachelor of Science in relevant discipline

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD systems

Chemical propulsion equipment

Job description

Monte Sano Research Corporation (MSRC) is a Huntsville-based Small Business specializing in providing full-spectrum defense system engineering, research, design, development, integration, test, evaluation, and planning services to the U.S. Government.

Our primary focus at MSRC is to provide extraordinary talent to propel the Warfighter, and we seek to hire people who are:

• Elevated (always do the right thing)
• Exceptional (the very best at what they do)
• Enduring (self-disciplined; self‑motivated)

MSRC is seeking experienced engineers and technicians with a strong background in solid rocket motor propulsion and industry production to support testing activities at the U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC). Candidates should possess demonstrated expertise in solid rocket motor manufacturing, processing, and testing within a propulsion-focused environment.

Engineer

• Lead and support the design, analysis, testing, and production of solid rocket motors.
• Perform structural, thermal, and internal ballistics analyses.
• Assist in the development of thrust curves, pressure profiles, and grain geometries.
• Participate in static fire test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis.
• Collaborate with supporting teams on propellant processing, composite structures, and producibility improvements.
• Apply research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities.
• Utilize CAD systems to model new designs and produce detailed engineering drawings.
• Adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and test plans for energetic operations, providing hands‑on support during mixing and casting activities.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, and communicate effectively within a dynamic, multi‑tasking team.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and consistently follow safety protocols.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Technician

• Provide hands‑on technical support for daily propulsion operations.
• Set up and operate production equipment for the manufacturing, processing, and assembly of solid rocket motors.
• Utilize product specifications, blueprints, diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to complete assigned tasks.
• Operate chemical propulsion equipment such as ovens, vacuum pumps, water pumps, air compressors; perform maintenance and troubleshooting as needed.
• Prepare and maintain required records of production activities and report any inconsistencies or equipment issues.
• May include assisting with mechanical design, analysis, fabrication support, and test fixture development.
• Adhere to established SOPs and test plans for energetic operations, providing hands‑on support during mixing and casting activities.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, and communicate effectively within a dynamic, multi‑tasking team.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and consistently follow safety protocols.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education

• Engineer: Bachelor of Science in relevant discipline required (chemistry, biology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, etc.).
• Technician: High School Diploma or GED required.

Job Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production propulsion, rocket motor manufacturing, composite propellants, and/or energetic materials, acquired through government or industry roles.
• Comprehensive understanding of rocket propulsion principles.
• Experience working in a DoD or RandD environment.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to varying climate conditions and operation of machinery.
• Ability to lift 45 pounds.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials, including propellants and energetics, following appropriate training.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Candidate must currently possess and be able to maintain an active security clearance.

Position is contingent upon funding.

MSRCs Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) practices are grounded in federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), among others. These laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, and other protected characteristics. They also prohibit preferential treatment based on any such trait. These protections apply across all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, training, and termination.