Propulsion Engineer - Advanced Spacecraft Systems

Approach Venture; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation through stock

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) program

Paid time off

Opportunity to own propulsion hardware

Job summary

Approach Venture in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and integration of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems from concept through flight hardware. You will perform system analyses, develop layouts, create drawings, and guide testing across cryogenic and thermal systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

This is a hands-on role with ownership across the full development lifecycle, requiring

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing, analyzing, building or testing propulsion, fluid, thermal or mechanical systems.
• Experience supporting propulsion development, integration, testing, or flight operations.
• Strong propulsion fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanical design.
• Proficiency with CAD and familiarity with machining and assembly.
• Experience with hand calculations and tools like Python, MATLAB, FEA/CFD.
• Strong GD&T, material selection, manufacturability and testing skills.
• Able to solve complex problems from first principles in a fast-paced startup.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and integration of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Develop propulsion layouts, sizing, interfaces, and integration strategies.
• Design propulsion hardware including engines, thrusters, fluid systems and assemblies.
• Develop cryogenic propulsion system capabilities: storage, transfer, thermal management, boil-off mitigation.
• Perform propulsion, fluid, and thermal analyses for sizing and optimization.
• Create models, simulations, and analytical tools to guide design decisions.
• Produce engineering drawings, interfaces, procedures, and qualification plans.
• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot propulsion and fluid system testing.
• Analyze data, identify root causes, implement improvements via iterative hardware development.
• Lead system safety evaluations and hazard analyses for propulsion and fluid systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing and test teams.

Skills

Propulsion system design

CAD software

Hand calculations

Engineering analysis tools

GD&T

First-principles thinking

Startup environment adaptability

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

FEA/CFD tools

Job description

Los Angeles, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a seed-stage space technology startup developing advanced spacecraft and propulsion technologies for next‑generation orbital missions. As a Propulsion Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of propulsion hardware that enables high‑performance spacecraft operations in demanding space environments. This is a highly hands‑on engineering role with ownership across the complete development lifecycle, from system architecture and first‑principles analysis through hardware design, prototype development, testing, and flight integration. You will work across propulsion, cryogenic, fluid, and thermal systems while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable, flight‑ready hardware.

About Us

We are an early‑stage aerospace company developing advanced spacecraft and in‑space propulsion technologies for commercial and government missions. Backed by venture funding and driven by an experienced engineering team, we are building integrated propulsion and spacecraft platforms that expand the capabilities of future space missions. Engineers have broad ownership, work across disciplines, and directly influence both technical development and company growth.

Job Duties

• Lead the architecture, design, and integration of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Develop propulsion system layouts, component sizing, interface definitions, and system integration strategies.
• Design and support propulsion hardware including engines, thrusters, fluid systems, and associated mechanical assemblies.
• Support the development of cryogenic propulsion systems including fluid storage, transfer, thermal management, conditioning, and boil‑off mitigation.
• Perform propulsion, fluid, and thermal analyses to support system sizing and performance optimization.
• Develop engineering models, simulations, and analytical tools to guide design decisions.
• Create engineering drawings, interface documentation, assembly procedures, and qualification test plans.
• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot propulsion and fluid system testing.
• Analyze test data, identify root causes, and implement design improvements through iterative hardware development.
• Lead system safety evaluations, hazard analyses, and safe operating procedures for propulsion and fluid systems.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and test engineering teams throughout product development.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing propulsion, fluid, thermal, cryogenic, or mechanical systems.
• Experience supporting propulsion system development, integration, testing, or flight operations.
• Strong understanding of propulsion fundamentals, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical system design.
• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with machining, fabrication, and assembly practices.
• Experience performing engineering analysis using hand calculations, Python, MATLAB, FEA, CFD, or similar engineering tools.
• Strong mechanical design skills including GD&T, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, and testing.
• Ability to solve complex engineering problems using first‑principles thinking.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced startup environment with significant technical ownership.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing spacecraft propulsion systems or in‑space propulsion hardware.
• Background with cryogenic fluid systems and thermal management.
• Experience designing or testing rocket engines, electric propulsion systems, or other advanced propulsion technologies.
• Familiarity with propulsion system qualification, environmental testing, and integrated vehicle testing.
• Startup or early‑stage aerospace hardware development experience.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight hardware.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Equity participation through stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) program.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunity to own critical propulsion hardware from concept through flight.
• Significant technical ownership alongside an experienced aerospace engineering team.
• Career growth within a rapidly expanding seed‑stage space company.

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000