Lead Propulsion Systems Architect

Applied Technology Solutions; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Chief Propulsion Engineer to act as the technical authority for propulsion across programs.

The role defines propulsion strategy, leads architecture trades, oversees design and verification, and mentors a growing propulsion organization, partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership to deliver affordable, high‑performance propulsion solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
• 15+ years propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
• Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air‑breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
• Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
• Develop propulsion concepts (solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket‑ramjet).
• Lead propulsion system performance analysis (internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management).
• Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
• Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
• Interface with DoD customers and prime contractors; support proposals and customer presentations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Technical leadership

Proposal support

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Ph.D. highly desirable

Tools

CFD

FEA

MBSE

Job description

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Chief Propulsion Engineer to act as the technical authority for propulsion across programs.

The role defines propulsion strategy, leads architecture trades, oversees design and verification, and mentors a growing propulsion organization, partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership to deliver affordable, high‑performance propulsion solutions.