Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist) to perform evaluations of propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Onsite work is required, with travel as needed.

Role requires a Master’s in a relevant field and 4+ years of experience, knowledge of propulsion and related thermodynamics, and the ability to communicate results to program offices and customers.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field.
• Four years or more of professional or academic experience.
• Knowledge of aerospace, mechanical, heat transfer, and thermodynamics applied to propulsion systems.
• Experience with propulsion system design, development, qualification, and acceptance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance (US citizenship required).
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally ~20%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply tools and analyses to assess propulsion system performance in ground test and flight.
• Identify and mitigate hardware and operational risks in propulsion components and interfaces.
• Provide real-time support for tests, flights, and anomaly resolution.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams and technical reviews to assess flight readiness.
• Prepare reports and presentations communicating results to Aerospace program offices and customers.

Skills

Propulsion Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Thermodynamics

Fluid Dynamics

Heat Transfer

Analytical Thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical/Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting‑edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.

The Solid Motors and Propulsion Technologies section is looking for a Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Propulsion Engineering). In this role, you will perform technical evaluations and assessments of propulsion systems for high‑priority space missions. Your work may involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions. This position is located in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

Developing and applying new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systems in ground test and flight Identifying, assessing, and mitigating hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces Providing real-time support for customer tests, flights, and anomaly resolution efforts Participating in multidisciplinary teams including technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems Assisting with propulsion laboratory experimental efforts, including test execution, data analysis, and design upgrades Preparing reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff – Propulsion Engineering:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• Four years or more of applicable professional or academic experience
• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics as applied to the design, evaluation, and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough independent analyses on deep technical challenges
• Experience with the design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements of propulsion systems: solid rocket motors, rocket engine, and/or hypersonic systems
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 20% of the time to support customer needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist:

• Six years or more of applicable professional or educational experience
• Experience evaluating and contributing to the development of new propulsion systems and advanced technologies
• Experience as a key technical point of contact during project team activities and technical reviews

How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Current secret-level clearance, or higher
• PhD from an accredited program in a STEM discipline
• Experience in one or more of the following: subsonic and/or supersonic combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rotordynamics, rocket engine/motor testing, material properties, or propulsion system engineering