Propulsion Engineer

TSC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stable environment

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401k plan

Flexible schedules

Tuition reimbursement

Health plan

Paid leave

Job summary

FALCATA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support our work at the NRL in Washington, DC. You will contribute across the full engineering lifecycle—from analytical modeling to prototype testing and system validation.

The ideal candidate has 0–5 years in mechanical or aerospace engineering with a strong foundation in propulsion and fluid systems, and experience with MATLAB/Star-CCM+/NX. The role offers a competitive salary and performance bonus eligible under applicable laws.

Qualifications

• 0–5 years of experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering, propulsion preferred.
• Strong aerospace and fluid systems fundamentals.
• Ability to evaluate and test prototype hardware and analyze results.
• Willingness to explore new domains to solve novel problems.

Responsibilities

• Model propulsion system performance through analytical modeling.
• Develop conceptual designs for propulsion and fluidic systems.
• Create and refine test and evaluation methodologies for prototypes.
• Define system requirements, design trades, and testing procedures.
• Simulate architectures and relevant physics to inform design.
• Support development of solid energetic release systems.
• Model system performance under environmental and coupled conditions.
• Design, fabricate, or procure ground support equipment.
• Develop experimental designs for verification and validation.
• Write and review technical reports and program materials.

Skills

Aerospace fundamentals

Fluid systems

Mechanical design

Prototype evaluation

Adaptability

Tools

MATLAB

Star-CCM+

Siemens NX

Job description

FALCATA is search for a Propulsion Engineer to support our work at the NRL.

This multidisciplinary engineering role focuses on the development, analysis, testing, and evaluation of novel fluidic systems with propulsion applications, as well as innovative applications of existing propulsion technologies. The ideal candidate will contribute across the full engineering lifecycle—from analytical modeling and conceptual design to prototype testing and system validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical modeling to predict and assess propulsion system performance.
• Develop conceptual designs for propulsion and fluidic systems.
• Create, implement, and refine test and evaluation methodologies for prototype systems.
• Define and document system requirements, design trades, testing procedures, and results.
• Simulate system architectures and relevant physical phenomena to support design decisions.
• Support the development of novel chemical release systems using solid energetics.
• Conduct modeling and simulation of system performance, environmental conditions, and coupled phenomena.
• Design, fabricate, or procure ground support equipment, including mechanical and electronic components.
• Develop experimental designs for verification and validation activities.
• Write and review technical reports, documentation, and program materials for accuracy and completeness.

Desired Qualifications

Experience:

• 0–5 years of experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering, preferably involving propulsion systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong foundation in aerospace engineering fundamentals and fluid systems.
• Mechanical design proficiency and understanding of chemically reactive flows and basic chemistry.
• Ability to evaluate and test prototype hardware and interpret experimental results.
• Adaptability and willingness to explore new technical domains to solve novel problems.
• Preferred experience with: Solid propellants or solid energetic materials Development, qualification, or testing of flight hardware Modeling/simulation tools such as Matlab or Star-CCM+ CAD software, ideally Siemens NX Additional engineering analysis or design tools

In compliance with applicable pay transparency laws, the expected salary range for this position is $90k-147k year, depending on experience and location. This role is also eligible for an annual performance bonus and may include equity or incentive compensation as part of the total rewards package.

FALCATA Benefits:

• a stable work environment
• a competitive salary
• a comprehensive benefit package
• 401k Plan
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Co-Sponsored Health Plan
• Paid Leave and much more.

Applying to FALCATA:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at FALCATA is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.

_ FALCATA is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class _ .

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.