Principal Solid Propulsion Development Engineer – Hypersonics

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead and oversee work on a hypersonics vehicle and propulsion systems for space and defense programs. You will interface with project teams and suppliers to develop a solid propulsion system for a hypersonic vehicle.

The role requires a strong background in rocket propulsion development, leadership of diverse teams, and experience with ground testing, environmental and thermal characterization, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 10–12 years of rocket propulsion development or test engineering experience.
• Understanding of solid rocket motor component designs and performance.
• Experience planning and supporting ground testing of propulsion systems (thermal, environmental, static).
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team, perform trade studies, and develop evaluation tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing/testing standards and directives.
• Ability to write and present technical reports to teams and customers.
• Willing to relocate to Huntsville, AL or reside in North Alabama.
• Active Secret security clearance, with potential for Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for propulsion hardware design and development.
• Direct the design, build, and test of prototype solid rocket motor components.
• Negotiate design elements with propulsion system suppliers.

Skills

Technical leadership

Propulsion design

Trade studies

Analytical tools

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (ABET-accredited)

Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

Ground testing equipment

Finite element analysis (FEA) tools

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead and oversee work on a hypersonics vehicle and other programs, joining a diverse team that develops propulsion systems for spacecraft, missile systems, and a wide range of critical technologies for civil, military, and commercial space programs. This individual will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team, interfacing with other project teams within Leidos as well as subcontractors to develop the solid propulsion system for a hypersonic vehicle.

Primary responsibilities:

• Serve as technical authority for task focused on design and development of critical propulsion related hardware.

• Direct the design, build, and test of prototype solid rocket motor components.

• Understand and negotiate design elements with propulsion system suppliers.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar from an ABET accredited university.

• Minimum of 10-12 years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion development or test engineering roles.

• Understanding of functional performance requirements as well as component designs for solid rocket motor applications.

• Experience in planning for and supporting ground testing of solid propulsion systems, including thermal characterization, environmental testing, and static firing.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, conduct trade studies, and develop analysis & evaluation tools.

• Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including manufacturing and testing policies and directives.

• Able to write clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports and present results to multi-disciplinary teams and customer stakeholders.

• Project planning and scheduling, including selection and management of multiple critical suppliers.Under Basic Qualifications:

• Must be resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama, AL area.

• Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar from an ABET accredited university.

• Development testing experience in a rapid iteration environment.

• Experience with DoD, NASA, or other aerospace development projects.

• Experience working with government test agencies

• Experience with free-jet test testing, especially for solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) systems.

• Experience with missile systems in a production environment.

• Active Top Secret clearance.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $131,300.00 – $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.