Director Propulsion Engineering

Apex Systems; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems is seeking a Director of Propulsion Engineering to lead the design, development, test, qualification, and operation of propulsion systems across launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, and fluid systems. The role commands a technical vision, execution strategy, and oversees a multidisciplinary team of about 100 engineers.

You will collaborate with structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, and quality to drive performance and reliability from concept through

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 8+ years designing, developing, and testing aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems
• 5+ years leading engineering teams on complex hardware programs
• Hands-on experience improving performance and reliability and/or design-for-manufacturability initiatives
• Deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems
• Knowledge of propulsion components and systems sizing analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication; advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Set and own the technical vision, strategy, and execution for propulsion and fluid systems programs
• Lead a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of ~100 engineers
• Own propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle from requirements through operations
• Support design reviews, test readiness, and anomaly resolution
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, and quality
• Drive propulsion performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability
• Oversee development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines

Skills

Propulsion design

Leadership

Systems engineering

Cryogenic propulsion

Fluid systems

Risk analysis

Test & qualification

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD

Matlab/Simulink

CFD

Job description

The client is seeking a Director, Propulsion Engineering to provide technical and organizational leadership for the design, development, test, qualification, and operation of propulsion systems. The role is accountable for multiple engine and fluid system programs, spanning from early architecture trade studies through flight operations, and requires a strong technical vision and execution strategy in a fast-paced environment. The propulsion engineering scope includes launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, vehicle fluid systems, valve design, and propulsion analysis across dedicated teams.

Key responsibilities include setting and owning the technical vision, strategy, and execution for propulsion and fluid systems programs; leading and growing a multidisciplinary propulsion organization of approximately 100 engineers; and maintaining ownership of propulsion hardware and systems across the full lifecycle from requirements definition through operations. The Director will serve as a senior technical authority to support design reviews, test readiness, and anomaly resolution, while collaborating with cross-functional teams across structures, avionics, software, manufacturing, integration, and quality. The role also drives propulsion performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability, ensures robust risk identification and closure through analysis, testing, and operational feedback, and oversees development, qualification, and acceptance testing of propulsion components, subsystems, and engines.

Required qualifications include a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, along with 8+ years of experience designing, developing, and testing aerospace propulsion and/or fluid systems, and 5+ years leading engineering teams on complex hardware programs. The Director must have a strong foundation in propulsion design and related disciplines, demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through testing and operation, hands-on experience improving performance and reliability and/or design-for-manufacturability initiatives, and deep understanding of cryogenic and storable propellant systems. Working knowledge of relevant aerospace standards, manufacturing and quality practices for fluid components, and fluid component knowledge (such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation) with experience performing fluid systems sizing analysis are expected, along with the ability to develop solutions under evolving requirements and strong written and verbal communication skills; an advanced degree and extensive liquid rocket engine and launch or spacecraft experience are preferred.