Aerospace Propulsion and System R&D Support Engineer

AIAA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plans with company-m

Commuter benefits

Job summary

You will contribute to program briefings, stakeholder engagements, and day-to-day DARPA program support, delivering technical and programmatic guidance to ensure successful outcomes. This is not a direct managerial role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on propulsion system development and integration experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or mathematics; MS/PhD preferred.
• Industry experience desirable.
• Attention to detail and ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical interface for a government program team of SMEs and industry contractors.
• Review contractor work, provide recommendations to the Government Program Manager, and support program success.
• Develop and support propulsion system test plans to meet system-level specs.
• Formulate and advise on program acquisition strategy.
• Coordinate government technical teams to oversee program execution.

Skills

Propulsion system development

Systems integration

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/mathematics

Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD)

Tools

Microsoft Office: Excel/Word/PowerPoint

Job description

TacitEdge Ltd. is actively searching for a mid-career engineer with hands-on experience in one or more aerospace propulsion disciplines, who is interested in system-level research and development. Preferred propulsion disciplines are solid rockets, gas turbines, and advanced airbreathing cycles. This role is with our team supporting the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Our team serves as a support contractor to DARPA, playing a critical in program development, execution, and transition.

Job Summary

The position involves working on behalf of the U.S. Government, supporting research and development programs. At the discipline level, the majority of your time will be spent as the primary technical interface for a government program team of subject matter experts, and industry contractor teams. You will perform oversight, review industry contractor work, generate recommendations for the government program manager and industry, and find ways to help the industry team be successful in meeting the government program goals. From time-to-time, you may need to perform analyses and quantitative studies as-needed. Initial propulsion disciplines involved in this role are solid rocket motors and airbreathing engines for missile applications. Future projects may involve hypersonic propulsion.

This role is significantly broader than serving as a propulsion specialist. You will be a part of the broader program execution team, including generating program briefings, supporting stakeholder engagements, and providing day-to-day support to DARPA Program Managers. A successful candidate will be capable not just as a technical subject matter expert, but in performing the programmatic tasks to assure fertile ground for technical success.

This is not a managerial role with direct employee reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise and insight in propulsion system designs and integration into aircraft and weapons.
• Support verification, validation, and testing of propulsion system components and the propulsion system itself.
• Develop and support the execution of propulsion system test plans to ensure aircraft or weapon meets system-level performance specifications
• Formulate program acquisition strategy and make recommendations to the Government Program Manager
• Facilitate turning technical intent into actionable program guidance, for both internal and external audiences
• Coordinate assembling, leading, and supporting Government technical teams to oversee program execution
• Provide critical reviews of work produced under Government contracts
• Monitor and report program status and contract performance
• Develop documentation for Government contracting offices
• Communicate with the organizations executing Government contracts
• Assist in the preparation of program plans and review documentation
• Support the Government Program Manager’s outreach efforts to other Government organizations
• Communicate with Government contracting offices across a variety of Federal agencies and departments

Required Qualifications

Security Clearance: This role requires a security clearance. Active TS/SCI clearance is desired, but candidates who have previously held Secret or Top Secret clearances may be eligible.

• Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of experience hands-on in propulsion system development and integration into aircraft and/or weapons. This is not an entry-level position.
• B.A., B.S., or higher degree from an accredited institution in relevant Engineering, Science, or Mathematics disciplines. M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
• Prior experience in Industry desirable
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks, stay well-organized, and deliver in a timely way despite a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time

About TacitEdge Ltd.

TacitEdge, a Virginia corporation with reach across the United States, is an employee-focused company providing distinguished engineering, scientific, program management, and strategic services to U. S. government and commercial customers developing civil or military advanced technologies. Our team of professionals span a wide variety of disciplines and capabilities including technical, business, and defense expertise and operate on-site at client offices, or remotely, depending on the need. Our clients include elite organizations within U.S. military and civil agencies, as well as commercial startups.

Culture and Benefits

At TacitEdge, we know that people are not interchangeable and that an organization is only as good as its people. To attract and retain the best, we conduct ourselves with uncommon loyalty and respect for our team. We are a small, flat, privately-owned company, with a sharp focus on high-value work for distinguished clients. Our goal is to go above and beyond for our customers by empowering our high-performance staff, both in their daily roles and as they pursue career growth. In addition to truly competitive salaries that respect both current and new team members, full-time staff participate in our profit-sharing program. Additional benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term protection
• 401(k) retirement plans with automatic 1:1 company matching contributions up to 5% of salary
• Commuter benefits
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays

TacitEdge Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.