Propulsion Engineer

Akkodis; Centennial (CO); Hybrid; USD 110,208 - 179,088; Full time

Job summary

Akkodis is seeking a Staff Propulsion Analyst to advance propulsion performance through high-fidelity modeling of thruster systems. You will collaborate with designers to optimize hardware before build, applying engine balance modeling, injector sizing, and stability analyses to ensure robust performance in space environments.

Ideal candidates have deep experience with 1D cycle models, CFD for combustion, and thermal-fluid analysis, plus strong communication to present complex results to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own engine balance and cycle modeling to predict system performance.
• Lead injector analysis and sizing for efficient mixing and atomization.
• Assess and mitigate combustion instability with analytical and numerical methods.
• Apply CFD to characterize combustion dynamics and heat flux.
• Develop thrust chamber thermal-fluid models and predictive cooling.
• Collaborate with thruster designers and suppliers to validate models.
• Create lightweight analysis tools and parametric design aids for hardware engineers.
• Plan evolutionary analyses aligned with hardware development and testing.
• Establish best practices and documentation for rigorous analytical work.
• Mentor colleagues to build propulsion analytics capability.

Skills

Engine balance

Cycle modeling

Injector design & sizing

Combustion instability analysis

CFD for combustion

Conjugate heat transfer

Regenerative cooling analysis

Thermal-fluid modeling

Programming (Python/MATLAB)

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ROCETS

Sinda/Fluint

GFSSP

Ansys Fluent

Flow-3D

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Title: Staff Propulsion Analyst, Engine Performance

Location: Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

Work Type: Remote/Onsite (Flexibility)

Rate Range: $80/hour to $130/hour; The rate may be negotiable based on experience, education, geographic location, and other factors.

YOUR MISSION

As a Staff Engineer Performance Analyst, you will be the analytical backbone of our propulsion development programs. You will build high-fidelity models of thruster systems — from propellant feed lines through combustion and nozzle expansion — and work hand-in-hand with thruster designers to optimize hardware before it's ever built. Your expertise in engine balance modeling, injector design and sizing, and combustion stability will directly determine the performance and reliability of the next generation of in-space propulsion systems. This is a rare opportunity to do foundational analytical work on hardware that will operate in the most unforgiving environment imaginable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own engine balance and cycle modeling: Develop and maintain integrated 1D engine/thruster cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, or equivalent tools to predict system-level performance, identify design sensitivities, and support architecture trade studies from concept through flight.
• Lead injector analysis and sizing: Apply first-principles and empirical methods to size injector elements, predict atomization and mixing efficiency, and validate designs against performance targets. Translate model outputs into actionable design guidance for hardware engineers.
• Assess and mitigate combustion instability: Perform stability assessments using analytical and numerical methods — including acoustic mode analysis, Rayleigh criterion evaluation, and sensitivity studies — and recommend design mitigations such as acoustic cavities, baffle configurations, and injector pattern modifications.
• Apply CFD to combustion dynamics: Leverage CFD tools (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flow, or equivalent) to characterize combustion dynamics, flame structure, mixing efficiency, and hot-gas-side heat flux distributions, feeding results back into design and stability assessments.
• Develop thrust chamber thermal-fluid models: Build conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling models to predict wall temperatures, heat flux profiles, and coolant pressure drop, ensuring hardware margin across the operating envelope.
• Partner with designers and suppliers: Work directly with thruster designers and suppliers to interpret test data, validate models against hot-fire results, and close the loop between analysis and hardware performance.
• Build lightweight design tools: Create accessible tools and parametric models that allow hardware responsible engineers to quickly size components and evaluate performance without requiring deep analysis expertise.
• Define and execute evolutionary analysis plans: Structure the analysis program to mature in lock‑step with hardware development and testing — increasing fidelity as data becomes available and design decisions demand it.
• Establish analytical best practices: Define processes for in-depth analysis, second‑set‑of‑eyes reviews, and parameter input standards. Build a culture of analytical rigor across the propulsion team.
• Mentor and cross‑train: Build analytical capability within the broader propulsion team, including cross‑training hardware responsible engineers on core analysis methods and tools.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

• 12+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster analysis.
• Engine balance and cycle modeling: Demonstrated hands‑on experience building and running integrated 1D engine cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, GFSSP, or directly comparable tools.
• Injector design and sizing: Significant experience sizing injector elements (e.g., impinging, coaxial, swirl) using analytical methods and CFD, with demonstrated ability to predict and improve mixing efficiency and atomization.
• Combustion instability assessment and mitigation: Proven experience identifying instability risk in thruster designs, performing acoustic and stability analyses, and recommending or validating mitigation strategies through analysis and/or testing.
• Experience with 2‑phase fluid modeling in propulsion systems.
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling analysis.
• Familiarity with the full thruster development process, from concept trade studies through hardware qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex analysis clearly to non‑specialist stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizen, eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an analysis focus (advanced degrees count toward years of experience).

• Proficiency across multiple propulsion analysis tools: ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, Thermal Desktop, GFSSP, Ansys Fluent, Flow‑3D, or equivalent.
• Combustion CFD: Experience applying CFD (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flows, or equivalent) to combustion dynamics, including reacting flow simulations and heat flux prediction.
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) to automate analysis workflows, process test data, and build parametric design tools.
• Direct experience supporting thruster development test campaigns, including pre‑test predictions and post‑test model validation.
• Track record of innovative problem‑solving in coupled thermo‑fluid‑structural problems.
• Experience in a startup or similarly resource‑constrained, high‑tempo environment.
• Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a 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.

Our client is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.