Emerging Spaceflight Propulsion Engineer

Astrion; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX is seeking an Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer for on-site work. The role focuses on applying fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and propulsion-system analysis to support spacecraft hardware.

Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering and have foundational knowledge in fluids, heat transfer, materials, and CAD (Creo). Proficiency in Python or MATLAB, plus hands-on lab or test experience, is preferred.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems
• Ability to interpret drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data
• Familiarity with engineering analysis and data-processing tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems
• Support design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies
• Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses
• Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar software
• Develop or review engineering drawings and 3D models using CAD software
• Support system-architecture studies and technical trade assessments
• Assist with materials selection, fabrication methods, and assembly processes
• Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration in lab or cleanroom environments
• Support test planning, execution, and data analysis for component- and system-level tests
• Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing
• Review test data, reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents
• Help investigate hardware anomalies and nonconformances
• Assist with action-item closure, hazard reports, and change documentation
• Assess design changes for impact on propulsion system or spacecraft
• Support compliance with safety, cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements
• Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles
• Participate in mission simulations and vehicle checkouts
• Coordinate work with engineers, technicians, analysts, and suppliers
• Provide clear technical status updates and recommendations
• Travel to supplier/test/launch locations as required

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Engineering analysis

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Creo

Python

MATLAB

Job description

NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX is seeking an Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer for on-site work. The role focuses on applying fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and propulsion-system analysis to support spacecraft hardware.

Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering and have foundational knowledge in fluids, heat transfer, materials, and CAD (Creo). Proficiency in Python or MATLAB, plus hands-on lab or test experience, is preferred.