Propulsion Engineer – Hypersonic & Missile Systems (SME

Aurex; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Aurex in Huntsville, AL seeks a senior Propulsion Engineer to lead propulsion systems for hypersonic and missile programs. You will architect clean-sheet designs, oversee analyses, shape manufacturing processes, and deliver flight-ready propulsion including solid motors and propellant systems.

The role requires extensive hands-on leadership, in-person work at HQ, and a track record of delivering complex propulsion solutions under tight schedules.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret Clearance required.
• Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 20+ years of propulsion systems experience in aerospace/defense.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design propulsion and reaction control systems.
• Create 3D models and drawings for manufacturing.
• Lead propulsion analysis for various systems.
• Develop manufacturing, integration, and test processes.
• Lead HWIL propulsion integration and test plans.
• Source propulsion components from suppliers.
• Lead a team through design, build, test, and delivery.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams for seamless integration.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Active DoD Secret Clearance

Propulsion knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Propulsion Engineer - Hypersonic & Missile Systems (SME)

Huntsville, AL

Who We Are

Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability. Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter-fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.

Job Summary

We are looking for a senior Propulsion Engineer to serve as the Subject Matter Expert and team lead for propulsion systems on next-generation hypersonic and missile programs. The ideal candidate will architect clean-sheet designs, perform and oversee propulsion analysis, develop manufacturing and test processes, and deliver flight-ready systems that include solid rocket motors, cold-gas systems, and mono- and bi-propellant reaction control systems. This position demands extensive hands-on experience and the ability to lead a team through design, integration, and test under demanding schedules.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design clean-sheet propulsion and reaction control systems using a lean requirements approach.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings to support manufacturing and integration.
• Perform and lead propulsion analysis for solid, cold-gas, mono-propellant, and bi-propellant systems.
• Develop processes and procedures for manufacturing, integration, and testing of propulsion systems.
• Develop integration and test plans for hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) propulsion systems.
• Select and source propulsion components from both traditional and non-traditional suppliers.
• Lead a team through design, build, test, and delivery of propulsion systems to customers on accelerated timelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion systems into hypersonic and missile platforms.

Basic Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret Clearance required
• Work in person at our corporate headquarters in Huntsville, AL.
• One of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with relevant industry experience
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a relevant field with experience applying knowledge to real-world systems
• A minimum of 20 years of industry experience in propulsion systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Strong proficiency in cold-gas systems, water hammer analysis, and solid rocket systems.
• Hands-on experience with thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop.
• Demonstrated experience testing various propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of the current U.S.-based propulsion supply chain.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with aerospace regulatory standards and certification processes is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Missile Defense Agency (MDA) requirements and processes.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for coupled thermal-structural simulations.
• Knowledge of high-temperature materials (ceramics, composites, ablative coatings) as they relate to propulsion systems.
• Experience in high-temperature testing or simulation of aerospace components.
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and space environment effects on propulsion systems.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead development of next-generation hypersonic and missile propulsion systems with real-world impact.
• A collaborative and fast-paced work environment with passionate engineers.
• Top-tier salary and benefits package.
• Continuous learning and growth opportunities.

How You Will Be Rewarded

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and professional growth.

Job Location:

Huntsville, AL

Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contract applicable to that position. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant’s citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.

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