Propulsion Engineer

Voyagertechnologiesinc; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Gym membership program

401(k) with company match

Wellness programs

Job summary

Voyager Technologies is seeking a Propulsion Engineer in Pittsburgh to design, build, test, and operate propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers. You will size components, conduct trade studies, and develop specifications while supporting assembly and testing in a cleanroom environment.

The role requires a STEM degree with 2+ years’ experience or a related master's, plus strong modeling, CFD/thermal skills, and effective communication for technical reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering with 2+ years of experience or a Master’s with related experience.
• Experience in propulsion component design, specification, analysis, manufacture, integration and/or test.
• Solid thermal-fluid fundamentals and tools to predict hardware performance.
• Familiar with system-level modeling tools (GFSSP, Amesim, Thermal Desktop or similar).
• Eager to learn, take direction, and engage in rigorous technical discussions.
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Support design, integration, testing, and operation of propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers.
• Size propulsion components such as tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines and pressurization systems.
• Perform trade studies using propulsion models to inform design and operation.
• Create component specifications to guide vendors and procurement.
• Provide support during spacecraft assembly in cleanroom and during tests.
• Train in mission operations procedures and provide real-time operations support.

Skills

Propulsion design

Thermal-fluid fundamentals

System modeling tools

Verbal and written communication

Hands-on testing

Mission operations

Education

Bachelor’s in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Master’s in related field

Tools

GFSSP

Amesim

Thermal Desktop

Python

C/C++

ANSYS FLUENT/CFX

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission‑critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.

The Propulsion Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems will be a critical member of the team responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating propulsion systems for spacecraft including lunar landers.

The position reports to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the engineering team in the design, integration, testing, and operation of propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers
• Size components of propulsion systems including tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines, and pressurization systems
• Perform trade studies using propulsion system fluid‑thermal models to inform design and operations
• Create component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
• Support testing operations for propulsion system components
• Train in mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 2 years of experience, OR a Master’s Degree with related experience
• Experience in propulsion system component design, specification, analysis, manufacture, integration, and/or test
• Proficient understanding of thermal‑fluid engineering fundamentals with the ability to create or apply tools to guide hardware design and performance prediction
• Familiar with fluid/thermal design and analysis using system level modeling tools (GFSSP, Amesim, Thermal Desktop or similar)
• Demonstrate a desire to learn, take direction from a senior engineer, pursue results independently, and engage in constructively challenging discussions to drive technical rigor
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems
• Knowledge of propulsion system architecture, best practices, components, and suppliers
• Proficient in code typically used for analytical/scientific programming (such as Python, C/C++, Matlab, Fortran)
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (specifically Ansys FLUENT or CFX)
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Experience with taking a concept from initial idea to final product
• Experience with space and / or lunar systems, environments, and design considerations
• Familiarity with propulsion system and spacecraft cleanliness standards

Travel, Physical, and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel: occasional, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to a week when on‑site support is required
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds
• ITAR access required

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well‑being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well‑being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and FREE on‑demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long‑term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well‑being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission‑driven environment
• Relocation assistance is provided for qualified candidates moving to Pittsburgh, PA.

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.