Chief Propulsion Engineer

Applied-Technology-Solutions; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. seeks a Chief Propulsion Engineer to serve as the technical authority for propulsion systems and to define strategy for architecture and roadmaps.

The role leads multidisciplinary teams through design, qualification, and transition to production, interfacing with DoD customers and prime contractors while mentoring engineers and driving standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
• 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
• Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air‑breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
• Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
• Develop solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket‑ramjet propulsion concepts.
• Lead propulsion system performance analysis including internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management, structural loads, and propellant performance.
• Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
• Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
• Support system‑level trade studies involving range, speed, maneuverability, cost, manufacturability, and producibility.
• Oversee propulsion supplier technical management and source selection.
• Interface with DoD customers, AFRL, DARPA, Navy, Air Force, Army, and prime contractors.
• Provide technical leadership during proposal development and customer presentations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.
• Support failure investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with military standards and qualification requirements.
• Work with manufacturing to transition designs into production.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree

Ph.D.

Job description

Chief Propulsion Engineer

The Chief Propulsion Engineer serves as the company’s technical authority for all propulsion systems across programs. This individual defines propulsion strategy, leads propulsion architecture trades, oversees design and development activities, and mentors a growing propulsion engineering organization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with demonstrated experience transitioning propulsion technologies from concept through flight qualification and production. This role partners closely with Systems Engineering, Airframe, Guidance & Control, Manufacturing, Program Management, Business Development, and executive leadership to develop affordable, producible, high‑performance propulsion solutions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
• Develop solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket‑ramjet propulsion concepts.
• Lead propulsion system performance analysis including internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management, structural loads, and propellant performance.
• Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
• Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
• Support system‑level trade studies involving range, speed, maneuverability, cost, manufacturability, and producibility.
• Oversee propulsion supplier technical management and source selection.
• Interface with DoD customers, AFRL, DARPA, Navy, Air Force, Army, and prime contractors.
• Provide technical leadership during proposal development and customer presentations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.
• Support failure investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with military standards and qualification requirements.
• Work with manufacturing to transition designs into production.

Required Qualifications (Education, Certifications, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
• 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
• Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air‑breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
• Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Integrated rocket‑ramjet experience.
• Hypersonic weapon development.
• Insensitive munitions requirements.
• Energetic materials expertise.
• CFD and FEA experience.
• MBSE familiarity.
• DoD acquisition program experience.
• Technical publications or patents.

Direct technical experience in the following areas:

• Rocket motor sizing and optimization.
• Grain design.
• Propellant formulation.
• Combustion instability.
• Ignition systems.
• Nozzle design.
• Thrust vector control.
• Thermal protection systems.
• High‑temperature materials.
• Mission performance analysis.

Additional Information:

• This position will require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required depending on program needs.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support testing, supplier visits, and customer meetings.

Note:

ATS is a drug‑free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited. All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment are subject to drug testing. In addition, ATS is an E-Verify employer.

Export Control Regulations:

Applicants for employment at ATS must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process are encouraged to contact us.