Propulsion and Fluids Systems Engineer

Cimarron Inc.; Lompoc (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Cimarron Inc. is seeking a Propulsion and Fluids Systems Engineer in Lompoc, CA. This role requires hands-on experience in launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems. Responsibilities include validating system performance, leading troubleshooting efforts, and writing operational procedures.

The ideal candidate has 4-8 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments. Opportunities for leadership and mentoring within the team are available.

Qualifications

• 4 – 8 years of hands-on experience with fluid and pneumatic systems.
• Experience designing, building, and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Validate and execute performance of launch pad propellant systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and support anomaly investigations.
• Write procedures for system operation and maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Fluids systems knowledge

Pneumatic systems knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

Tools

ANSYS

FEMAP

Job description

Position Introduction/Key Duties

Cimarron is seeking a Propulsion and Fluids Systems Engineer to join the team responsible for all aspects of the launch pad propellant and pneumatic systems in Vandenberg, CA. This position will validate and execute the performance of these systems during launch operations.

Key Duties

• Provide proven experience and leadership in the operation, maintenance and testing of the launch pad fluids and pneumatic systems.
• Lead and participate in design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams — including design engineers, technicians, external partners, and site personnel — to drive fluids system upgrades, streamline operations, and validate system readiness and performance for launch campaigns.
• Lead and execute launch pad system and flight vehicle system integrity testing to validate system health, performance and readiness for launch campaigns.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, resolve any issues and non‑conformances that arise during operations/testing, and support anomaly investigations.
• Opportunities to perform launch console operations or launch day close out team activities.
• Write procedures for system operation, maintenance, and vehicle testing operations.
• Develop and execute maintenance strategies that maximize system availability and minimize downtime between missions.
• Collaborate with customers, external stakeholders, and design teams to ensure interoperability and compliance with regulatory and range safety requirements.
• Provide technical write‑ups for systems upgrade proposals or tailoring of regulations.
• Ability to work with Fluids and Mechanical GSE team members with limited supervision to achieve project or testing objectives. Write work instructions and supervise the execution of field work in service of the launch pad fluid and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to supervise and mentor members of the team providing guidance on technical aspects and processes for launch site fluids and mechanical systems.

Required Skills, Experience, and Education

• Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time.
• 4 – 8 years of hands‑on experience with fluid systems, pneumatic systems, mechanisms, hydraulic systems, tooling, flight hardware or test operations.
• Experience designing, building, troubleshooting and/or operating complex fluid or pneumatic systems in an operational or project environment.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering documentation including drawings, P&ID schematics and test data.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high‑pressure fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to self‑motivate and take the initiative to ensure your systems are functional and operating at peak performance.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a fast‑paced environment with the ability to think critically under pressure.
• Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Comfortable working in launch site environments with field testing, lifting equipment, and hazardous materials.
• Willingness to support off‑hour shifts during launch operations (nights/weekends as needed).
• Basic working knowledge of standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA‑STD‑5005, GSFC‑STD‑8009, etc.).
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related engineering discipline.

Desired Skills, Experience, and Education

• Previous experience with fluids and pneumatics systems in a test or project environment with demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and problem‑solve.
• Experience with cryogenic liquid systems.
• Experience with launch vehicle integration, transportation and systems validation.
• Experience with FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, FEMAP, Siemens NX Nastran) and ability to verify results with hand calculations.
• Experience with hazard and risk analysis tools (i.e., FMEA, FMECA, FHA, HAZOP, etc.).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control methods, and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated experience with standards and regulations (ASME, AWS, AISC, AFSPCMAN 91‑710, NASA‑STD‑5005, GSFC‑STD‑8009, etc.).
• Prior experience at a federal launch range (e.g., VSFB, CCSFS, KSC, WFF, PSC).
• Familiarity with Atlassian products (i.e., Confluence and Jira) and version control systems (i.e., SVN, Bitbucket, etc.).
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.