Propulsion Engineer Broomfield

Karmanplus; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a fast-paced space startup as a Propulsion Engineer, where you'll take ownership of critical propulsion subsystems for the High Frontier mission. This role offers the chance to design, test, and deploy advanced propulsion systems, ensuring precise maneuvering in space. If you thrive in high-stakes environments and are passionate about spacecraft propulsion, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. With a focus on technical ownership, you'll collaborate with diverse teams and lead the charge in innovative engineering solutions. Embrace the challenge and be part of redefining what's possible in space exploration.

Benefits

Equity Incentives

Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Basic Life Insurance

401k Plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• Foundational experience in spacecraft propulsion systems is essential.
• Hands-on experience with electric (Hall Effect) thrusters is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and testing of propulsion subsystems.
• Interface with engineering teams to ensure smooth integration.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with propulsion systems.

Skills

Propulsion Engineering

Thruster Design

Fluid Dynamics

Thermal Management

Problem-Solving

Project Management Tools

Communication Skills

Education

BS in Engineering

MS in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Position: Propulsion Engineer

Location: Denver, CO

Position Type: Full-time

Mission: High Frontier – Design, Integrate, Test, and Deploy the RCS and Main Propulsion Systems

Karman+ is a fast-paced space startup with a mission to redefine what’s possible with a small, dedicated team working on groundbreaking projects. For our High Frontier mission, propulsion is crucial, and we’re looking for a Propulsion Responsible Engineer to take ownership of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters and the Hall Effect main thruster. If you’re an experienced propulsion engineer who’s ready to take end-to-end responsibility for critical subsystems, we want you onboard.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

As the Propulsion Responsible Engineer, you’ll have full lifecycle responsibility for specific propulsion subsystems on the High Frontier mission. You’ll design, analyze, integrate, test, and support the spacecraft's propulsion system to ensure precise maneuvering and reliable propulsion in space. This role requires deep technical expertise and hands-on problem-solving skills to drive subsystem success in a high-stakes environment.

This is an individual contributor role, focused on technical ownership rather than people management. You’ll work closely with other teams and suppliers, making independent engineering decisions to keep the project on track. If you’re passionate about spacecraft propulsion and thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, integration, testing, and deployment of specific propulsion subsystems.
• Own every phase of the lifecycle—from concept and modeling, through testing and integration, to flight readiness and post-deployment support.
• Make independent engineering decisions on subsystem architecture, component specifications, and design trade-offs to meet mission requirements within cost and schedule constraints.
• Interface with other engineering teams (e.g., systems, structures, thermal) and departments (e.g., test, manufacturing, procurement) to ensure smooth integration of propulsion systems with the broader spacecraft.
• Support the sourcing and procurement of propulsion components and propellants, working closely with vendors to ensure that all hardware meets mission specifications and integration requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with the propulsion subsystem. Regularly review and adjust risk management strategies to address potential points of failure.
• Ensure that all propulsion designs and components meet regulatory, operational, and quality standards, and act as the technical checkpoint for propulsion subsystems before major design reviews and integration milestones.

What You Bring

• Foundational experience in propulsion engineering, with hands-on experience in spacecraft propulsion systems, ideally including electric (Hall Effect) thrusters.
• Deep expertise in thruster design, fluid dynamics, thermal management, propellant handling, and the unique challenges of space-rated propulsion systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with project management tools and a disciplined approach to tracking and prioritizing tasks to meet project timelines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate propulsion concepts and challenges to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience with thruster design, fluid dynamics, thermal management, and space-rated propulsion systems.

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Denver, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact [e-mail].