Propulsion Engineer II

Socket.dev; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FTO

Medical/Dental/Vision

Gym memberships

401(k) match

Wellness programs

Mission-driven environment

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Mojave, CA seeks a propulsion engineer to advance rocket propulsion systems for sub-orbital vehicles. You will design, analyze, fabricate, and test components from sizing to integration, reporting to the Propulsion Lead as part of a joint team with the Pittsburgh office.

The role requires a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 2+ years in propulsion design or testing, with experience in fluid/thermal modeling and SolidWorks.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar.
• 2+ years propulsion design, analysis, manufacture, integration or test.
• Familiar with system-level fluid/thermal modeling tools.
• Solid modeling experience; Solidworks preferred.
• Experience designing components for fluid systems.
• Team player who can multi-task in a small team and self-start.

Responsibilities

• Support the engineering team in the design and test of rocket propulsion systems.
• Size propulsion components including turbomachinery, valves, tanks, and feed systems.
• Perform trade studies using fluid-thermal models to guide design.
• Create solid models for modeling or fabrication.
• Draft component specifications to guide vendors and procurement.
• Develop and execute test plans; analyze results for systems.
• Support rocket engine and component testing operations.
• Write technical reports and present findings to technical teams.

Skills

Propulsion system design

System-level modeling

Solid modeling

Fluids/thermal design

Teamwork

Self-starting

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

GFSSP

Amesim

Thermal Desktop

Solidworks

Python

C/C++

Matlab

Ansys Fluent

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.

Job Summary

Voyager wants you to be a critical contributor in the Mojave office to advance the development of propulsion systems for Voyager’s sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. You will be responsible for working directly on all aspects of the propulsion systems, from initial component and system sizing through design, analysis, fabrication, and test. You will regularly report to the Propulsion Lead on progress, as part of a joint propulsion team collaborating with the Pittsburgh office.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the engineering team in the design and test of rocket propulsion systems
• Size components of propulsion systems including turbomachinery, combustion devices, valves, propellant feed systems, tanks, and pressurization systems.
• Perform trade studies using propulsion system fluid-thermal models to inform design and operations.
• Create solid models of propulsion components for use in modeling or hardware fabrication.
• Create component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results for component and system testing.
• Support testing operations for rocket engines and components
• Write technical reports and present to technical teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or similar
• Experience (2+ years) in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and/or test
• Familiar with fluid/thermal design and analysis using system level modeling tools (GFSSP, Amesim, Thermal Desktop or similar)
• Familiar with solid modeling (Solidworks preferred)
• Experience designing or specifying components for fluid systems
• Teamwork and collaboration while multi-tasking in a small team
• Ability to self-start with minimal guidance

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems (liquid oxygen and liquid methane preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Rocket test facility design, integration, and/or operation
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (Ansys FLUENT preferred), including conjugate heat transfer
• Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations
• Experience with rocket turbopumps

The good faith base salary rangefor this role is $90,000 - $125,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Relocation assistance is provided for qualified candidates moving to Mojave, CA.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

California pay range

$90,000 — $125,000 USD