E01-M01 Senior Propulsion Engineer

Talentwerx.Io; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Aether Aerospace seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program, focusing on propulsion, guidance, navigation, and software modeling for rocket-powered vehicles. Responsibilities include responding to propulsion inquiries with technical reports and performing analyses with established databases and software.

The role requires autonomy, collaboration, and a TS/SCI clearance, with a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace/ mechanical engineering and 5+ years of propulsion experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years in propulsion or fluid mechanics with liquid/solid rocket propulsion experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility.
• Experience with propulsion databases (JANNAF) and propellant analysis using CEA.

Responsibilities

• Support NOVASTAR program propulsion-related tasks including design, testing, and evaluation.
• Address customer inquiries with technical reports based on research and data.
• Work autonomously; contribute to collaborative propulsion reports as needed.

Skills

Propulsion design

Thermodynamics

Numerical simulation

Propellant performance analysis

Instrumentation & measurement

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific computing

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

ABET-accredited M.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering (propulsion focus)

Tools

JANNAF propulsion databases

NASA CEA software

Computational tools (Python/C/C++/Fortran)

Job description

Start Date: Immediate

JHNA,CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domainexpertiseacross Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee
Location: Dayton, OH (Travel: Up to 30% within continental United States)

Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles.

The selected candidate will be responsible for addressing customer inquiries related to propulsion systems, including liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to formally respond to these inquiries through technical reports based on professional experience, background research, professional propulsion databases, rudimentary design analyses, and other technical resources.

The candidate must be able to work autonomously with minimal guidance. On occasion, the candidate will also be expected to contribute to collaborative technical reporting for our customers.

Clearance: ActiveTS/SCI Clearance
Educationand Years of Experience: Bachelor'sDegree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineeringfrom an ABET-accredited universityand5+ years of demonstrable experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems or fluid mechanical systems.

Formal education or training in the following propulsion-related topics:

• Thermodynamics, with an emphasis on thermal and chemical equilibrium
• Stoichiometry
• Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) compressible flow
• Basic rocket nozzle design theory
• Structural mechanics
• Classical mechanic
• Demonstrable proficiency in scientific computing for mechanical or aerospace engineering analyses using one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Python, MATLAB).

• Master'sdegree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineeringfrom an ABET-accredited university, with an emphasis on chemical rocket propulsion.

• Recent TS/SCI eligibility.

• Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems, with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors.

• Professional experienceutilizingpropulsion databasesmaintainedby JANNAF.

• Proven capability using engineering software to analyze the performance of chemical propellants (e.g., NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)).

• Professional experience applying the following propulsion and fluid mechanics topics:
  • Fluid measurement instrumentation (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples)
  • Combustion of liquid and solid propellants
  • Performance analysis of chemical propellants
  • For solid rocket motors: igniter design, propellant grain design, and structural analysis of propellant grains and rocket cases
  • For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed systems, coolant systems, and identification and management of pressure losses
  • Professional experience collaborating with other engineers to assess total vehicle performance with respect to each subsystem.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.