Director, Propulsion Engineering

Apex Systems; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems seeks a Director of Propulsion Engineering to set the technical vision and lead a ~100-person propulsion team across a full lifecycle of propulsion hardware. You will own propulsion systems, drive performance, reliability, and manufacturability, and collaborate with structures, avionics, software, and manufacturing.

Applicants should have 8+ years in propulsion design and 5+ years leading engineers, with deep knowledge of cryogenic and storable propellants and engine cycle

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years in propulsion design, development, and testing.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams delivering complex hardware programs.
• Strong foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery, thermodynamics, and thermal systems.
• Experience owning hardware from concept through testing, qualification, and operation.
• Hands-on in performance, reliability, or design-for-manufacturability initiatives.
• Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems.
• Familiarity with fluid components like valves, regulators, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of propulsion and fluid systems programs.
• Lead a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers.
• Own propulsion hardware across the full lifecycle from requirements to operations.
• Collaborate with structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration and quality.
• Drive system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design.

Skills

Propulsion system design

Fluid dynamics

Combustion

Turbomachinery

Thermodynamics

Thermal systems

Cryogenic propellants

Storable propellants

Leadership

Design-for-manufacturability

Systems engineering

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

## Job Description# Director, Propulsion Engineering* Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution of all propulsion and fluid systems programs.* Lead, develop, and grow a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of approximately 100 engineers.* Maintain ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition through operations.* Serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion and fluid systems, supporting design reviews, test readiness, and anomaly resolution.* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, and quality.* Drive propulsion system performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability through disciplined design practices.* Ensure robust risk identification, mitigation, and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback.* Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines.* Contribute directly to new engine and propulsion technology development.* Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and compliance with applicable industry requirements.* B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.* 8+ years of experience in the design, development, and test of aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems.* 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, with demonstrated success delivering complex hardware programs.* Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery, thermodynamics, and thermal systems.* Demonstrated experience owning hardware from early concept through testing, qualification, and operation.* Hands-on experience driving performance, reliability, or design-for-manufacturability initiatives.* Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems.* Working knowledge of relevant aerospace standards and requirements.* Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration, and quality control relevant to fluid components.* Knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation, and experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis.* Proven ability to rapidly develop solutions with partially defined or evolving requirements.* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.* Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field.* Extensive experience developing and operating liquid rocket engines, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.* In-depth knowledge of cryogenic, high-pressure, or high-temperature system operations.* Experience with fluid system subcomponent or pressurized component development, design, or testing.* Familiarity with multiple engine cycle architectures.* Proven ability to build and sustain a high-performing engineering culture.* Demonstrated experience with full hardware lifecycle ownership, from design through operation.* A demonstrated passion for advancing propulsion technology and integrating emerging capabilities.