Lead Propulsion Engineer

Digitailor; California; On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible time off

Comprehensive medical, dental and, etc

Job summary

Voyager Technologies is seeking a seasoned propulsion leader in California to drive rocket propulsion system development. You will mentor engineers, set technical direction across design, analysis, integration, and testing, and align projects with business goals.

Requirements include 10+ years in rocket propulsion with cryogenic experience, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of propulsion design, analysis, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar engineering degree.
• 10+ years of experience in rocket propulsion system development, 5+ years in cryogenic systems (Methane and LOX preferred).
• Experience coordinating a technical team of 3+ engineers on multi-year projects.
• Demonstrated decision making balancing quality, cost, and schedule across multi-subsystem projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion team in development of rocket propulsion systems.
• Provide technical direction across design, analysis, integration, test, and operations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers on performance and career development.
• Align technical plans with business goals and support proposals.
• Create work scopes, cost estimates, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate with subsystems to meet project goals.
• Maintain responsibility for integrated main engine systems within flight vehicle architectures.
• Design and analyze cryogenic propulsion systems and components.
• Develop and review manufacturing drawings and component specifications.
• Develop and review test plans and conduct readiness reviews.

Skills

Team leadership

Verbal and written communication

Project coordination

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GFSSP

ROCETS

RTE

RPA

Amesim

Thermal Desktop

SolidWorks

ANSYS Fluent/CFX

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space. Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart. You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality. If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.

Responsibilities

• Lead the propulsion team in the development of new rocket propulsion systems
• Provide technical direction to propulsion engineers across all elements of the work scope including design, analysis, integration, test, and operations
• Assure that technical work of the propulsion team aligns with company and team best practices and processes across all projects
• Offer regular and consistent mentoring to propulsion engineers regarding performance, career development, work-life balance, and other individual priorities
• Work with the chief engineering office to align strategic technical plans with business development goals, and support proposal creation
• Create work scopes, labor and material cost estimates, and risk assessments to support project management
• Coordinate with lead engineers of other subsystems to jointly execute to meet project goals
• Maintain overarching responsibility for all aspects of the integrated main engine systems, with incorporation into the flight vehicle architectures
• Design and analyze cryogenic propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, tanks, turbomachinery, and pressurization systems
• Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology
• Create and review propulsion system fluid-thermal models to guide design and operational decisions
• Lead the creation and review of hardware drawings to support manufacturing
• Create and review component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Develop and review instructions to direct the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion systems and components
• Develop and review test plans, lead technical readiness and safety reviews, and execute tests for component and integrated system testing.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar engineering degree
• Hold 10+ years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development, with 5+ years in cryogenic systems (Methane and LOX preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers in a multi-year project, driving propulsion system development and test
• Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems
• Successful experience in a role requiring people leadership skills
• Experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and test
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks for a team supporting multiple projects
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations
• Prefered Skills &

Qualifications

• Knowledge of propulsion system cycles and performing system-level engine modeling
• Proficient in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (e.g. GFSSP, ROCETS, RTE, RPA) and for system level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDRE’s
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and/or qualification testing

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well‑being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well‑being. Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life balance Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and FREE on‑demand workout videos before you enroll 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long‑term financial security Company wellness programs that support ph

Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

California pay range $160,000 — $240,000 USD