Propulsion Engineer: Solid Rocket Motor Design & Testing

Wardstone; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wardstone in Los Angeles is seeking a propulsion engineer to design, build, and test solid rocket motors for two interceptor platforms. You’ll own motor components and test campaigns from design through static fire, reporting to the Senior Propulsion Engineer. You’ll work with mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics engineers, gaining hands‑on time with real motors and collaborating across disciplines. Safety and rigorous testing are emphasized.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years with propulsion hardware or high‑pressure systems; student projects count.
• Working knowledge of rocket propulsion including internal ballistics, combustion, and heat transfer.
• Solid CAD skills with parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Hands‑on test experience, instrumentation or data acquisition.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design motor components, such as nozzles, igniters, closures, insulation, and case hardware.
• Build CAD models and create drawings for fabrication.
• Run internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses to support design decisions.
• Prepare for and run static fires, pressure tests, and temperature‑conditioned tests.
• Design and build test fixtures and instrumentation, set up data acquisition, and analyze results.
• Collaborate with mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics teams; present at design reviews.

Skills

Propulsion analysis

Python/MATLAB

CAD modeling

Test instrumentation

Education

BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Wardstone in Los Angeles is seeking a propulsion engineer to design, build, and test solid rocket motors for two interceptor platforms. You’ll own motor components and test campaigns from design through static fire, reporting to the Senior Propulsion Engineer. You’ll work with mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics engineers, gaining hands‑on time with real motors and collaborating across disciplines. Safety and rigorous testing are emphasized.