Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)

United States Digital Space LLC; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is seeking a Propulsion Engineer for Stage Systems (Starship). You will develop requirements, design stages, and model thermal/fluid behavior to ensure safe, reliable performance from conception through flight.

The role emphasizes stage control timing, valve sequencing, and integration with flight software; involvement spans production, test, and launch support across multiple facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of the associated components for the systems above.
• Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of the stage propulsion systems
• Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and stage systems mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration, implementation, and execution
• Support production, test, and launch operations as needed across all the company facilities
• Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non-conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test
• Generate and maintain all stage test plans; fully support all stage testing operations (including on-console operations); review stage test data; validate stage system performance; and provide final sign-off on system acceptance prior to shipment to the launch pad
• Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead any stage-related flight anomaly resolutions and corrective actions

Skills

Thermodynamics basics

Fluid mechanics

Control theory

Launch operations

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

PROPULSION ENGINEER, STAGE SYSTEMS (STARSHIP)

the company was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain top‑level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of the associated components for the systems above


• Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of the stage propulsion systems


• Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and stage systems mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration, implementation, and execution


• Support production, test, and launch operations as needed across all the company facilities


• Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non‑conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test


• Generate and maintain all stage test plans; fully support all stage testing operations (including on‑console operations); review stage test data; validate stage system performance; and provide final sign‑off on system acceptance prior to shipment to the launch pad


• Review and approve stage systems launch procedures, final integration instructions, anomaly resolutions, and flight software


• Fully support all major launch operations, as directed by the launch director


• Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead any stage‑related flight anomaly resolutions and corrective actions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering


• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering field


• Strong first principles understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flow


• Proficient knowledge of statics and mechanics of materials


• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, exceptional attention to detail


• Experience working with pressurized fluid systems and components, such as pneumatic systems, cryogenic systems, pressure control devices, valves, diffusers, and fittings


• Experience testing rocket stage or engine propulsion systems


• Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations


• Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers, RTDs)


• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems


• Hands‑on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (can be professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)


• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environment – ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines


• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customers, and management


• Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB


• Strong desire to mentor and develop direct reports

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed


• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required


• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand


• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain


• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise


• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required


• Flexibility to travel to remote build sites

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of the company’s Affirrmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail]*.*