Propulsion Engineer

EVONA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

EVONA in Los Angeles is seeking a Lead Propulsion Development Engineer to spearhead chemical propulsion engine development for space applications. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering, guiding a team of engineers from concept through qualification and flight support.

You will own propulsion hardware end-to-end, conducting thermal, fluid and structural analyses, and coordinating testing and interactions with customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience designing rocket engines, combustion devices or propulsion hardware.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible flow, fluid systems and mechanical design.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo or NX.
• Ability to lead engineers or step into hands-on technical management.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of chemical propulsion engines from requirements through design, build, testing and qualification.
• Mentor a team of propulsion engineers while remaining hands-on.
• Oversee design of combustion components, engine assemblies and propulsion hardware.
• Perform thermal, fluid and structural analyses including pressure budgets and heat transfer.
• Lead development and qualification testing, including test planning and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with mechanical design, production and test teams for flight-ready hardware.

Skills

Propulsion design

Thermodynamics

Compressible flow

Fluid systems

Mechanical design

GD&T

Leadership

3D CAD

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

ANSYS

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Industry: Spacecraft Propulsion, Chemical Propulsion

The Opportunity

We're working with an established and growing spacecraft propulsion company looking for a Lead Propulsion Development Engineer to lead the development of chemical propulsion engines used in space.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, combining approximately 70% engineering with 30% people management, leading a team of around 10 engineers.

You'll take full ownership of propulsion hardware from initial concept and design through prototyping, testing, qualification and flight support.

With flight-proven technology, regular on-site hot-fire testing and new spacecraft programmes underway, this is an opportunity to lead the development of real hardware that's making its way into space.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of chemical propulsion engines, from requirements through design, build, testing and qualification.
• Manage and mentor a team of approximately 10 propulsion engineers, while remaining actively involved in technical work.
• Design and oversee combustion components, engine assemblies and associated propulsion hardware.
• Perform thermal, fluid and structural analysis, including pressure budgets and heat transfer calculations.
• Lead development and qualification testing, including test planning, execution and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with mechanical design, production and test teams to develop flight-ready hardware.
• Act as the technical point of contact for customers and help shape future propulsion engine designs.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years' experience designing rocket engines, combustion devices or closely related propulsion hardware.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, compressible flow, fluid systems and mechanical design.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo or NX.
• Understanding of GD&T, manufacturing processes and hardware development.
• Experience leading engineers or the ability to step into a hands-on technical management position.

Particularly Relevant Experience

• Liquid rocket engines or spacecraft chemical propulsion systems.
• High-pressure, hazardous or high-energy fluid systems.
• Thrusters, valves, regulators, pumps or combustion devices.
• Development and qualification testing of propulsion hardware.
• ANSYS, Thermal Desktop or similar thermal/fluid analysis tools.
• Previous people management within an engineering development environment.

Candidates from launch vehicles, liquid-propellant missile systems or related high-pressure fluid and combustion applications are encouraged to apply.

Why Join?

• Technical leadership without stepping away from engineering: Approximately 70% hands-on technical work.
• Real flight hardware: Work on established propulsion technology with proven spaceflight heritage.
• Hands-on testing: Regular on-site hot-fire testing and rapid hardware development.
• Engineering ownership: Take products from initial concept all the way through qualification and flight support.
• Team leadership: Develop and mentor a team while influencing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion technology.

Interested?

If you're an experienced propulsion engineer looking to combine technical ownership with team leadership, apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation.