Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion

Protingent; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion. This role involves owning and executing propulsion hardware development across the full product lifecycle and requires a strong background in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with over 7 years of experience. The ideal candidate will design propulsion components, lead teams, and collaborate with various engineering disciplines. An advanced proficiency in engineering analysis tools is necessary, and a salary range of $160K-$220K is offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design, analysis, build, and test of space-rated pressure vessels.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing of propulsion hardware.
• Strong commitment to mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Execute propulsion hardware development across the product lifecycle.
• Lead the design and delivery of space-rated propellant tanks.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Programming in Java

Programming in Python

Lean Six Sigma principles

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CFD

CAD tools

Job description

Job Description

Position Title: Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion

Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal/Senior Propulsion Engineer.

Job Responsibilities

• Own and execute propulsion hardware development across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, analysis, build, test, and flight support.
• Lead the design and delivery of space-rated propellant tanks and supporting propulsion components.
• Serve as a technical contributor and mentor within a cross-disciplinary engineering team.
• Collaborate closely with systems, structures, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready hardware on aggressive schedules.
• Apply sound engineering judgment and creativity to solve complex propulsion challenges and meet mission requirements.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in the design, analysis, build, and test of space-rated metallic pressure vessels and related propulsion hardware, including:
• Familiarity with ANSI/AIAA S-080A, launch vehicle interfaces, and range safety requirements.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing of space-rated pressure vessels.
• Proficiency in tank and pressure vessel analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fracture mechanics, slosh dynamics, and propellant management devices.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts and small teams.
• Ownership of cost, schedule, and technical performance for assigned hardware.
• Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and workflows.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment.
• Strong commitment to technical rigor, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience with in-space propulsion subsystems beyond propellant tanks.
• Background working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment.
• Advanced propulsion analysis experience using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CFD, FEA, Surface Evolver, and GFSSP.
• Experience with CAD tools and configuration-controlled hardware development.
• Strong background in risk identification and mitigation.
• Programming experience in Java, Python, Julia, and/or C++.
• Familiarity with 5S (6S) and Lean Six Sigma principles.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary Range: $160K-$220K.
• Location: Rockville, Maryland
• Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.