Propulsion Engineer

iRocket; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in California is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, and testing of propulsion systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include analyzing test data, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and troubleshooting propulsion subsystems. This role offers competitive benefits including health care and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in propulsion, test, or fluid/thermal systems development.
• Familiarity with liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, and testing of propulsion systems.
• Analyze test data and generate reports.
• Collaborate with teams for subsystem integration.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Communication

Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD

CFD

Thermodynamic simulation tools

Job description

iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is pioneering fully autonomous, fully reusable small launch vehicles to enable responsive, lower‑cost access to space. We combine advanced propulsion, reuse, and sustainable propellant technologies to push the frontier of commercial space.

The Role

• Support design, development, and testing of propulsion systems (e.g., liquid rocket engines, pressure‑fed or pump‑fed systems, component‑level systems)
• Participate in test campaigns, including planning, instrumentation, execution, and post‑test analysis
• Develop and maintain test procedures, control sequences, and configuration files for propulsion testing
• Troubleshoot issues in propulsion subsystems (fluid, mechanical, thermal) during testing and integration
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (mechanical, thermal, controls, electronics, systems) to ensure subsystem integration
• Perform calculations and simulations to support sizing, performance prediction, and optimization
• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Failure Review Boards, and design reviews
• Implement continuous improvements to increase test efficiency, safety, and reliability
• Analyze test data, generate reports, and identify corrective actions

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• 2+ years of experience in propulsion, test, or fluid/thermal systems development and testing
• Familiarity with liquid or hybrid rocket engine systems, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and control systems
• Proficiency with scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications
• Strong problem‑solving, data analysis, and communication skills
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Experience with cryogenic fluids, high‑pressure systems, or oxidizer/fuel systems
• Experience with CAD, simulation tools (CFD, thermodynamics, structural), or propulsion modeling
• Familiarity with propulsion test stands, plumbing, valve systems, or turbomachinery
• Experience in space, launch vehicle, or high‑reliability systems
• Experience in formal test planning, instrumentation, and control software

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources