Propulsion Engineer

Argo Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Los Angeles seeks a Propulsion Engineer. This role involves designing and analyzing propulsion systems for reusable in-space vehicles. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering, strong understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, and at least 2 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion systems. Team members will have a significant influence in propulsion architecture, contributing to high-pace projects while utilizing their technical communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience designing or testing spacecraft propulsion systems.
• 5+ years of experience with propulsion systems and/or thermo-fluidic systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze propulsion components and systems using computational tools.
• Conduct prototyping, troubleshooting, and testing of propulsion hardware.
• Draft and implement build and test procedures consistent with mission risk posture.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Communication skills

Designing spacecraft propulsion systems

Flexibility in direction

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Python

MATLAB

Job description

As a Propulsion Engineer at Argo, you will work with a team of exceptional engineers to support the end-to-end development of water-based propulsion systems for our family of reusable, in-space transport vehicles. The work will include the development of both chemical and electric propulsion systems, RCS thrusters, propellant management and feed systems, and thermal management systems. As an employee at Argo, you will have an influential role in designing our vehicle’s propulsion architecture and enabling high efficiency transport of payloads throughout cislunar space. Engineers at Argo have a large amount of responsibility placed on them and take on a wide range of projects.

Responsibilities

• Use computational tools and first-principles calculations to design and analyze propulsion components and systems
• Hands-on prototyping, troubleshooting, and testing of propulsion hardware and systems
• Qualify propulsion hardware to ensure survival at expected mission environments
• Draft and implement build and test procedures consistent with mission risk posture and own the outcome of test campaigns
• Conduct and contribute to design reviews, test readiness reviews, and flight readiness reviews with a heavy emphasis on technical excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline
• Comprehensive understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Understanding of and experience in electric propulsion systems
• Experience managing analysis products and incorporating their feedback into design
• Capable of maintaining flexibility in direction under changing circumstances
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Track record of delivering novel, excellent technical products
• 2+ years of experience designing or testing spacecraft propulsion systems
• 5+ years of experience designing and testing propulsion systems and/or thermo-fluidic systems that operate in harsh environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Conducted full test campaigns of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience with CAD and FEA software (e.g. Siemens NX, ANSYS)
• Experience with a high-level programing language (e.g. python, matlab)
• Experience designing and analyzing electric propulsion systems
• Experience with water electrochemistry
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, rewarding work environment.