Principal Propulsion Engineer

Venus Aerospace; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits including dental and视

Flex-Friday

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of propulsion systems at our Houston HQ or remote locations. You’ll generate CAD models, design fluid networks, and develop test plans while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet project requirements.

You will bring 10+ years in aerospace propulsion and a strong background in multidisciplinary design, engine testing, and manufacturing‑ready CAD, with excellent communication for

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Systems engineering and operational experience.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials used in propulsion designs for high mechanical and thermal loads.
• Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems components and specifications.
• Multi-disciplinary engineer with skills in mechanical and fluid systems design, structural/thermal analysis, engine testing and data analysis, CAD modeling for manufacturing, and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion parts and assemblies.
• Generate CAD models of components and engine systems.
• Model and design fluid networks and identify suitable components; coordinate with suppliers.
• Generate P&ID’s of engine systems.
• Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results.
• Systems engineering focus on engine balances, sizing, and cycle efficiency trades.
• Create detailed CAD models from P&ID data for engine assemblies.
• Apply Agile methods to plan daily/weekly tasks.
• Design and analyze tanks and supporting structures and PPMS.
• Collaborate with vehicle engineering and test teams to meet engine requirements.
• Coordinate with outside vendors and procurement to source components.

Skills

Propulsion design

Systems engineering

CAD experience

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Mechanical design

Fluid systems design

Engine testing

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS Mechanical

CFX/StarCCM+

MATLAB

Python

GFSSP

Visio

Job description

Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Principal Propulsion Engineer

What You’ll Get To Do

• Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion piece parts and assemblies
• Generate CAD models of components and engine systems
• Fluid network modeling, analysis and design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, identify COTS components for fluid systems, work with suppliers to source components.
• Generate P&ID’s of engine systems
• Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results
• Systems engineering experience focusing on generating engine balances, engine sizing and requirements, technical understanding of various engine cycles, and trading cycle efficiencies of various engine cycles
• Use engine P&IDs to generate fully detailed CAD models of engine assemblies
• Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks
• Design and analyze tanks and supporting tank structures and PPMS
• Work with vehicle engineering and test teams to satisfy engine systems design requirements and communicate engine systems test requirements
• Work with outside vendors and in-house procurement team to select and source components for engine and PPMS systems

What You Have

• 10+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Systems engineering and operational experience
• Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams
• Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads
• Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications
• The ideal candidate will be amulti-disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design and analysis, engine testing and hot-fire data analysis, hands-on experience with assemblingand testing propulsion systems, generating complex CAD models anddesigning for manufacturing (DFM), including excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• 5+ years of CAD experience, particularly working with large assemblies
• Experience in some of the design and analysis tools such as NX / SolidWorks, ANSYS mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, GFSSP, Microsoft Visio
• Strong communication skills to effectively work in a hybrid in-person/remote work environment

What Will Set You Apart

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Experience with RDREs or RDEs
• Project management/leadership
• Familiarity with Agile methods
• Strong background in systems engineering for engine or PPMS systems
• Engine and/or engine component testing
• Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA STD-5012, AIAA S-080A-2018
• Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing

Location:

This is a full-time salaried position with the flexibility of working remotely or from our headquarters located on the Ellington Air Field in Houston, Texas.

Benefits:

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR here .

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] or call [phone].This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page .

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.