Principal Propulsion Engineer (Liquid Rocket Engine Assembly RE)

Airbus Ventures; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

Flex-Friday

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer to design, analyze, and advance propulsion hardware from concept to flight-ready assemblies. You will generate detailed CAD models, model fluid networks, and lead test plans across multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires 10+ years in aerospace propulsion, a strong systems engineering background, and experience with NX/SolidWorks and ANSYS. Hybrid work from Houston HQ is supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering required.
• 10+ years in aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design.
• Experience with multidisciplinary project teams and propulsion systems.
• Proficient in CAD design, analysis tools, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop propulsion hardware from parts to assemblies.
• Generate CAD models of engine components and systems.
• Model fluid networks, select components, and coordinate with suppliers.
• Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results.
• Lead engine balance, sizing, and cycle-efficiency trade studies.
• Own lifecycle of engine assemblies and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

CAD modeling

Systems engineering

Fluid systems design

P&ID design

Python/ Matlab

Cross-functional collaboration

Hybrid work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CFX/StarCCM+

Matlab

Python

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 delivers 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:PrincipalPropulsion Engineer

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine assemblies. You will be responsible for taking designs from concepts to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

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’sof 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
• Own the entire lifecycle of an engine assembly: combustor, thrust take-out structure, gimbal system, possibly pump and possibly hot gas turbine, flow control devices, etc.
• Mentoring younger team members to increase their experience of the team in headquarters

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, PhD 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
• Responsible engineer experience in hotfire testing of liquid rocket engine assemblies, especially those that have gone wrong.

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 [e-mail] 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.