Engine Lead

Cowboy Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

10 holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Office lunch

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. seeks an Engine Lead to own the engine program from development through flight, coordinating propulsion, mechanical, avionics, and software teams. You will develop procedures, manage schedules and budgets, and drive upgrade plans for reliability and reusability.

Leadership of a multi-disciplinary team and hands-on experience with engine hardware are essential. ITAR and relocation considerations may apply.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in design, build, or test of rocket engines or related components.

Responsibilities

• Own the engine program from development through flight.

Skills

Rocket engine design

Team leadership

Systems engineering

Thermodynamics

Fluid analysis tools

Data analysis

Fabrication & assembly

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens NX/Teamcenter

GD&T

Job description

About the Role

As the Engine Lead you will own the execution of this entire engine program lifecycle: from architecture and design through production, test, flight, and refurbishment. You will serve as chief engineer, program manager, technical lead, and lead systems engineer. You will lead a multi‑disciplinary team of propulsion, structural, mechanical, avionics, software, and test engineers to deliver a flight‑proven, reusable engine. You will work closely with vehicle integration, manufacturing, test, and launch operations teams as the engine integrates with the rest of the launch system and its lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self‑direct, and learn on the fly. This role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion.

What You’ll Do

Own the engine program from development through flightDevelop engine operation procedures and operational limits in coordination with vehicle, test stand, and launch operations teamsDefine and manage schedule and budget for the engine programDefine the verification and qualification plan for engine requirements and manage its executionParticipate in test and launch operations to make real‑time engineering decisions on technical risksOwn the engine's upgrade plan for improved reliability, rapid reusability, and faster production rate; derive upgrade scope and timelines to achieve these goalsDrive design‑for‑reuse decisions: inspection intervals, life‑limited parts, refurbishment procedures, and acceptance criteria for reflown hardware

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design, build, or test of rocket engines, combustion devices, turbopumps, or valves
• Demonstrated experience on one or more development engine programs through a significant portion of the lifecycle (concept through development, qualification, or sustained operations)
• Demonstrated ability to integrate a team of technical contributors spanning propulsion, mechanical, electrical, avionics and software disciplines
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals applied practically in a fast‑paced development program
• Exceptional command of fundamentals: compressible flow, thermodynamics, combustion, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Proficiency with fluid analysis tools (Python, NPSS, AMESim, Thermal Desktop, EES, REFPROP, or equivalent)
• Strong data analysis and data reduction skills (test data to engine health/performance)
• Proficiency with aerospace fasteners, seals, tubing, fittings, and COTS hardware
• Hands‑on experience with fabrication and assembly of engine hardware
• Demonstrated history of excellent communication and team‑building
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gas‑generator cycle engines or LNG/methane propulsion systems
• Experience with engine reuse: inspection, refurbishment, and recertification processes
• Experience with CAD tools and configuration management (Siemens NX/Teamcenter or equivalent)
• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance stackups, and material selection
• Experience with various welding approaches (GTAW, laser, EB)
• Familiarity with engine start/shutdown transient modeling and engine control system design

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $250,000 - $285,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324B(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.