Director, Advanced Propulsion Engineering (Space Systems)

Monarch Space Systems, Inc.; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development support

Downtown Cleveland parking or transit

Equity participation potential for top

Incentive compensation

Job summary

Monarch Space Systems, Inc. seeks a Director of Advanced Propulsion Engineering to lead the technical development of next-generation propulsion systems at the Quantum Propulsion Research Laboratory (QPRL) and the Programs Division.

The Director serves as the institution's propulsion authority, guiding a team across NEP, chemical, and quantum-optimized concepts. You will build and lead a propulsion engineering group, coordinate with spacecraft systems, and drive technology transition and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field.
• 12+ years in advanced propulsion research or development.
• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Deep technical expertise in electric propulsion, nuclear thermal/electric propulsion, chemical propulsion.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion systems engineering and research programs within QPRL and the Programs Division.
• Serve as principal technical authority for advanced propulsion concepts including NEP, chemical propulsion, and quantum-optimized approaches.
• Direct design, analysis, modeling, and experimental planning across propulsion research initiatives.
• Build and lead a disciplined team of propulsion engineers, researchers, and technical contributors.
• Coordinate propulsion system integration with spacecraft systems and computational resources.
• Support technology transition evaluations, IP strategy, and TRAs in coordination with Legal Division.
• Lead propulsion-related capture support including technical volume authorship and past performance framing for space programs.

Skills

Propulsion leadership

System modeling

Experiment planning

Electr propulsion

Quantum propulsion awareness

Education

PhD or Master's in Aerospace/Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering

Job description

# Director, Advanced Propulsion Engineering (Space Systems)Cleveland, OH (Onsite Strongly Preferred)Full-TimePhased hiring based on investment timing and/or contract awardAdvanced Propulsion / QPRL$160,000–$230,000 base + incentive | Potential equity consideration for exceptional candidates## About the RoleMonarch Space Systems seeks a Director of Advanced Propulsion Engineering to lead technical development of next-generation propulsion systems within the Quantum Propulsion Research Laboratory (QPRL) and the broader Programs Division. The Director will serve as the institution's principal technical authority for propulsion systems engineering — spanning nuclear electric, chemical, and quantum-optimized propulsion concepts — while building and leading an engineering team aligned with the organization's long-horizon aerospace mission. Primary location is Cleveland, Ohio.## Responsibilities* Lead propulsion systems engineering and research programs within QPRL and the Programs Division* Serve as principal technical authority for advanced propulsion concepts including nuclear electric propulsion (NEP), high-efficiency chemical systems, and emerging quantum-optimized approaches* Direct design, analysis, modeling, and experimental planning activities across aerospace propulsion research initiatives* Build and lead a disciplined team of propulsion engineers, researchers, and technical contributors* Coordinate propulsion system integration with spacecraft systems, EMAMF materials capabilities, and QPRL computational resources* Support technology transition evaluations, IP strategy, and technology readiness assessments in coordination with Legal Division* Lead propulsion-related capture support including technical volume authorship and past performance framing for space systems programs* Oversee compliance with ITAR/EAR and applicable nuclear regulatory requirements in propulsion research activities* Represent propulsion technical authority in customer briefings, advisory council reviews, and prime contractor engagements## Requirements* Ph.D. or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field* 12+ years of experience in advanced propulsion research or development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role* Deep technical expertise in one or more of: electric propulsion, nuclear thermal/electric propulsion, chemical propulsion systems* Experience with propulsion modeling, performance analysis, and experimental test planning for aerospace systems* U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain security clearance required## Preferred Qualifications* Experience with nuclear electric propulsion or nuclear thermal propulsion programs (NASA, DoE, or DoD-aligned)* Publication record in advanced propulsion research* Familiarity with NRC, DOE, and NASA regulatory frameworks for nuclear propulsion* Experience supporting federal capture processes as a technical subject matter expert for space systems programsThis position may require eligibility to access controlled or proprietary information and may be subject to confidentiality and employment agreements, including an NDA and role-specific restrictive covenants, in accordance with applicable laws.## Benefits* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance* 401(k) retirement plan with employer match* Paid time off, federal holidays, and personal leave* Professional development and continuing education support* Downtown Cleveland parking or transit subsidy* Collaborative, mission-driven institutional culture* Incentive compensation and potential equity participation for exceptional candidates* Principal technical authority in an institution designed around advanced propulsion## Apply for this PositionBy submitting this application, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.