Propulsion Engineer

Wild West Systems, Inc.; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild West Systems, Inc. in Leander, TX seeks a propulsion/aerodynamics engineer to translate mission requirements into propulsion designs and perform rapid analyses using hand calculations, analytical models, CFD, and simulations.

You will design and evaluate propulsion systems, model internal ballistics, optimize propellant core geometry, and collaborate with manufacturing and testing teams to bring designs to real hardware.

Qualifications

• CFD modeling (ANSYS Fluent preferred) required.
• Coding for engineering analysis (Python or MATLAB preferred).
• CAD modeling proficiency (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent).
• Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Strong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Ability to perform first-order engineering calculations quickly and accurately.
• Experience translating performance requirements into design constraints.

Responsibilities

• Translate mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters.
• Perform rapid engineering analysis using hand calculations, simplified models, and CFD/simulations.
• Design and evaluate propulsion systems including solid rocket motors, nozzle geometry, and propellant geometry.
• Model internal ballistics and pressure dynamics in solid propellant systems.
• Develop and run CFD simulations to validate design assumptions.
• Work closely with manufacturing, systems, and testing teams to translate designs into real hardware.
• Support flight tests and diagnose performance issues, iterating quickly.

Skills

CFD modeling

Python

MATLAB

CAD modeling

Solid mechanics

Compressible flow

Heat transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD in a related field

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

SolidWorks

Onshape

Job description

Company Overview

Wild West Systems is an American defense technology company with the mission to equip the civilized world with superior and affordable arms and advanced technologies – to dominate the battlefield of present and future threats, in a new era of asymmetrical warfare. We fuse versatile domain experience with novel approach and creativity to change the paradigm of defense – both for military arenas and civilian soft targets. We’re an early stage startup, rapidly moving and growing.

Location: Onsite – Leander, TX

• Employment Type: Full-Time

General Qualifications (all Roles)

• Deep love for America and passion for Wild West Systems' mission.
• Self-starter, capable of performing tasks as an individual as well as working well in a team.
• Servant-leader mentality, extreme ownership, willing to participate in different and rapidly changing projects in a dynamic environment. Bias for action.
• ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

The Job

• Translate mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters.
• Perform rapid engineering analysis using:
  • Hand calculations
  • Simplified analytical models
  • Simulation tools
  • CFD
• Design and evaluate propulsion systems including:
  • Solid rocket motors
  • Nozzle geometry
  • Propellant grain geometry
  • Pressure and burn rate behavior
  • Thermal and structural loads
• Model internal ballistics and pressure dynamics in solid propellant systems.
• Optimize propellant core geometry to achieve target thrust profiles and burn behavior.
• Analyze external aerodynamics of flight vehicles across subsonic through supersonic regimes.
• Calculate and validate:
  • Drag components (base, form, friction, shock)
  • Aerodynamic coefficients
  • Center of pressure vs center of gravity relationships
  • Flight stability and control behavior
• Develop and run CFD simulations to validate design assumptions.
• Write code to automate analysis, simulation workflows, and performance modeling.
• Work closely with manufacturing, systems, and testing teams to translate designs into real hardware.
• Support flight tests and ground tests, diagnose performance issues, and iterate quickly.

Who You Are

• You are comfortable solving physics problems from first principles.
• You can move between quick hand calculations, simplified models, and high-fidelity simulations without losing intuition.
• You make decisions quickly and back them up with analysis.
• You are not waiting for perfect information to move forward.
• You are comfortable working on new or unconventional technology where no one has all the answers yet.
• You enjoy difficult problems where engineering judgment matters.
• You are hands-on and willing to learn across propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration.
• You are motivated by building real systems, not just running models.

Core Technical Requirements

• CFD modeling (ANSYS Fluent preferred)
• Coding for engineering analysis (Python or MATLAB preferred)
• CAD modeling proficiency (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent)
• Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Strong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, and heat transfer
• Ability to perform first-order engineering calculations quickly and accurately
• Experience translating performance requirements into engineering design constraints

Propulsion Domain Experience

• Internal ballistics and solid propellant behavior
• Burn rate dynamics and pressure coupling
• Solid rocket motor design including:
  • Nozzle geometry
  • Ignition systems
  • Insulation and materials
  • Structural analysis
• Propellant grain/core geometry optimization
• Pressure vessel design and analysis
• High-temperature gas flow and thermal loads
• Familiarity with solid propellant formulation is a strong plus

Aerodynamics Domain Experience

• External aerodynamics of flight vehicles
• Missile or projectile design
• Flight mechanics and trajectory modeling
• Center of pressure / center of gravity relationships
• Aerodynamic coefficient modeling
• Subsonic through supersonic flow regimes
• Drag component analysis
• Flight envelope behavior
• Experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems is beneficial but not required

Experience Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor’s degree, OR
• 1–2 years of relevant experience with a Master’s or PhD

More experience is welcome, but the most important qualities are:

• Strong fundamentals
• Intellectual curiosity
• Ability to learn quickly
• Willingness to solve hard problems
• We do not work with staffing companies. Direct applicants only***