Propulsion Engineer (All Levels)

Argo Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Argo Space is seeking Propulsion Engineers (I, II, Senior) to develop water-based propulsion systems for reusable in-space transport vehicles. The role involves designing propulsion architecture, testing hardware, and ensuring systems meet mission requirements. Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background and experience in propulsion system design.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience for Engineer I, 2+ years for Engineer II, and 5+ years for Senior Engineer.
• Experience in designing/testing propulsion systems in harsh environments.
• Track record of delivering novel technical products.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze propulsion components using computational tools.
• Prototyping, troubleshooting, and testing of propulsion hardware.
• Conduct design and test readiness reviews.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Communication

Flexibility

Technical Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline

Tools

CAD Software

FEA Software

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Propulsion Engineer (I, II, Senior)

As a Propulsion Engineer at Argo, you will work with a team of exceptional engineers to support the end-to-end development of water-based propulsion systems for our family of reusable, in-space transport vehicles. The work will include the development of both chemical and electric propulsion systems, RCS thrusters, propellant management and feed systems, and thermal management systems. As an employee at Argo, you will have an influential role in designing our vehicle’s propulsion architecture and enabling high efficiency transport of payloads throughout cislunar space. Engineers at Argo have a large amount of responsibility placed on them and take on a wide range of projects.

Responsibilities

• Use computational tools and first-principles calculations to design and analyze propulsion components and systems
• Hands-on prototyping, troubleshooting, and testing of propulsion hardware and systems
• Qualify propulsion hardware to ensure survival at expected mission environments
• Draft and implement build and test procedures consistent with mission risk posture and own the outcome of test campaigns
• Conduct and contribute to design reviews, test readiness reviews, and flight readiness reviews with a heavy emphasis on technical excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline
• Comprehensive understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Experience managing analysis products and incorporating their feedback into design
• Capable of maintaining flexibility in direction under changing circumstances
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Track record of delivering novel, excellent technical products

Engineer I

• 1+ year of experience on a school design team or internships designing and testing propulsion systems and/or thermo-fluidic systems that operate in harsh environments

Engineer II

• 1+ years of experience designing or testing spacecraft propulsion systems
• 2+ years of experience designing and testing propulsion systems and/or thermo-fluidic systems that operate in harsh environments

Senior Engineer

• 2+ years of experience designing or testing spacecraft propulsion systems
• 5+ years of experience designing and testing propulsion systems and/or thermo-fluidic systems that operate in harsh environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Conducted full test campaigns of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Experience with CAD and FEA software (e.g. Siemens NX, ANSYS)
• Experience with a high-level programing language (e.g. python, matlab)
• Experience with spacecraft electric propulsion systems
• Experience with water electrochemistry
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, rewarding work environment.