Fluids Engineer

General Galactic; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Dental

PTO

401(k)

Stock options

Job summary

General Galactic is seeking a Fluids Engineer to design and analyze fluid systems across spacecraft, propulsion, and ground test hardware. You will own system architecture, engage in hands‑on hardware work, and drive first‑principles analysis throughout development.

You will work closely with a focused technical team, move quickly, and have opportunities to expand responsibilities as the company grows in the cislunar space domain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/ aerospace/ chemical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing fluid, propulsion, thermal, mechanical, or cryogenic systems.
• Proficiency in first-principles problem solving and practical engineering analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own fluid system architecture and P&IDs for spacecraft and propulsion hardware.
• Support cryogenic fluid system development including storage, transfer, and boil-off management.
• Develop and maintain simulations, calculations, and models to guide design decisions.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Cryogenics

Mechanical design

Hazard analysis

Hands-on troubleshooting

Strong ownership

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

CFD

Python

MATLAB

Job description

General Galactic designs, builds, and flies advanced spacecraft that redefine what’s possible beyond Earth. Led by former SpaceX, Varda, Impulse, and Relativity engineers, our vision is to dominate cislunar space and build the railway to Mars – expanding access to high‑energy orbits and enabling the next generation of missions along the way. Based in Los Angeles, California, we’re leveraging our paradigm‑shifting water‑based technology to reshape the space domain for good.

Job Description

As a Fluids Engineer, you will work closely with a focused technical team to design and analyze critical fluid systems for our product suite, including Seldon and Dreadnought spacecraft vehicles, Genesis propulsion systems, and more. You will have extreme ownership over your work, move quickly, and operate with high agency. As we grow, there will be opportunities to expand your role with the company.

This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone with experience using fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanical design, cryogenics, and propulsion systems to design and analyze hardware. You will have the opportunity to own vehicle, engine, and ground fluid systems. You should be comfortable moving between first‑principles analysis, detailed mechanical design, hardware build, test operations, and post‑test data review.

Responsibilities

• Own fluid system architecture, P&IDs, schematics, component sizing, and integration for spacecraft vehicles, propulsion systems, ground test hardware, and all associated hardware from engines to pumps and more
• Support cryogenic fluid system development, including storage, transfer, thermal isolation, boil‑off management, conditioning, chilldown, and integration with spacecraft or propulsion systems
• Develop and maintain simulations, calculations, and models to guide design decisions
• Perform fluid and thermal analyses, including pressurization, transient system behavior, heat transfer, boil‑off, and more
• Create drawings, interface definitions, assembly procedures, test procedures, and engineering documentation for fluid and propulsion hardware
• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot testing of fluid and propulsion systems
• Lead system safety assessments and hazard controls for fluid and propulsion systems

Requirements

• BS in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing fluid, propulsion, thermal, mechanical, or cryogenic systems
• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, compressible flow, mechanical design, and structural load paths
• First‑principles approach to problem solving even with incomplete or partial information
• Hands‑on experience architecting pressurized fluid systems, including tanks, valves, regulators, tubing, fittings, manifolds, seals, instrumentation, relief devices, and ground support equipment
• Ability to perform practical engineering analysis spanning hand calculations, spreadsheets, Python, MATLAB, CAD, FEA, and CFD
• Strong mechanical design skills, including CAD, drawing creation, tolerancing, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, and testability
• Understanding of high‑pressure systems, hazardous fluids, oxygen compatibility, hydrogen systems, leak testing, cleanliness, and safe test operations
• Experience in a fast‑paced startup environment or similar, with high agency, strong ownership, and willingness to work hands‑on across disciplines

Benefits

Medical, vision, dental, PTO, 401(k), stock options, and more. Individual compensation will be determined based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

EEO Statement

General Galactic Technologies Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.