Project Engineering Specialist, In-space Chemical Propulsion

Rocketdyne; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketdyne in Redmond, WA seeks a Project Engineering Specialist to own technical execution of in-space chemical thruster projects through production and test. You will collaborate with program management, manufacturing, and test to accelerate issue resolution and ensure hardware readiness for space missions.

Responsibilities include documenting procedures, reviewing engineering inputs across disciplines, and presenting findings at gate reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics with 4+ years of project engineering experience, or a Graduate Degree with 2+ years. In lieu of a degree, 8+ years of project engineering experience.
• 4+ years of experience in aerospace/high-reliability environments.
• 4+ years owning technical work with cross‑functional relationships.
• 4+ years of authoring technical documentation such as procedures, reports, or presentations.
• Ability to own ambiguous problems and drive hardware forward with results.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day technical execution of in-space chemical thruster projects through production and test.
• Drive closure of nonconformances and test anomalies with technical rigor.
• Coordinate and review work across engineering disciplines (systems, structures, thermal, drawing development).
• Author test plans, procedures, reports, and anomaly documentation.
• Prepare and lead presentations for customer communication and gated product reviews.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical documentation

Customer communication

Project ownership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Job Title: Project Engineering Specialist, In-space Chemical Propulsion

Job Code

Job Location: Redmond, WA

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days, totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Job Description

At Rocketdyne, this role sits at the center of turning chemical propulsion hardware into accepted, test‑proven deliverables that are ready for space. This is a strong fit for an engineer who likes real hardware responsibility, thrives in a cross‑functional environment, and enjoys bringing clarity to ambiguous technical problems. You will work closely with customers, manufacturing, test, quality, and business capture teams. You will also work across engineering disciplines to drive the reviews, inputs, and technical alignment needed to keep hardware and customer deliverables moving. Your impact will be visible in shipped hardware, successful hot‑fires, and propulsion systems that reach space, the Moon, and Mars. If you want extensive ownership, close teamwork, and the opportunity to turn hard work into thrusters that power real spacecraft, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Functions

• Own day-to-day technical execution of in-space chemical thruster projects through production and test for development, qualification, and commercial programs. Work in close coordination with program management, manufacturing, and test to accelerate issue resolution.
• Drive closure of nonconformances, production issues, and test anomalies with technical rigor and deep understanding of your propulsion products. Maintain working partnerships with quality.
• Coordinate and review work across engineering disciplines such as systems, structures, thermal, and drawing development. Drive the inputs, reviews, and document completion needed to support customer deliverables and program commitments.
• Author the technical documentation required to move hardware forward. This includes test plans, procedures, reports, and anomaly documentation.
• Provide clear and timely technical responses to customer technical questions. Topics may include hardware status, issue resolution, and test results. Partner with program management to maintain customer relationships.
• Prepare and lead formal presentations and reports for customer communication and gated product reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.). Presentations may include technical recommendations, trade studies, and issue summaries.
• Serve as an engineering point of contact and reviewer for proposals. Develop technical inputs and review scope assumptions for applicable engines or hardware efforts.
• Analyze and review hotfire test data to ensure thrusters conform to product line standards and customer specifications. May need to support testing in-person and provide quick judgment calls to support program needs within technical bounds.
• No routine travel is expected for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics and a minimum of 4 years of prior project engineering experience; or a Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior project engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior project engineering experience.
• 4+ years of experience supporting development, production, integration, qualification testing, or delivery of complex hardware in aerospace, marine, or similar high-reliability engineering environments.
• 4+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas is required: production support or qualification/development testing; experience in both is preferred.
• 4+ years of experience owning technical work and driving closure with strong cross‑functional relationships.
• Strong technical foundation and ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines. This includes reviewing technical inputs from areas such as systems, structures, thermal, and design documentation.
• 4+ years of experience authoring technical documentation such as procedures, reports, nonconformance dispositions, or engineering presentations.
• Ability to take ownership of ambiguous problems, quickly assess evolving requirements and customer feedback, and determine next steps needed to move hardware forward.
• Proven capacity to deliver results in a fast‑paced, technically complex setting by leveraging strong engineering expertise, adaptability, and collaborative problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Strong technical communication with customers, leadership, and cross‑functional teams in a fast‑moving hardware environment.
• Prior experience with propulsion development or hot‑fire testing.
• Experience with anomaly investigation, nonconformance disposition, and root cause analysis. Experience with corrective action or out‑of‑plan manufacturing support in a hardware environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with propellant and material compatibility, contamination‑sensitive hardware handling, and spacecraft propulsion integration practices
• Demonstrated leadership in managing conflicting priorities while providing product/process expertise in multi‑disciplinary project teams

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Washington State is $92,500 - $171,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.