Propulsion Staff Engineer – Thruster Systems

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a Propulsion Staff Engineer for Thruster Systems to lead the technical execution of bipropellant thrusters from requirements to flight readiness. The role demands collaboration and leadership across teams to meet stringent cost and performance targets.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in propulsion, particularly in thruster design. Responsibilities include modeling and testing thruster systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion.
• Demonstrated depth in thruster or liquid rocket engine design and development.
• Hands-on experience with engine/thruster design, development, qualification and integration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to execute priorities with precision and pace.

Responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end technical execution of bipropellant thruster assemblies.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert in thruster design.
• Perform detailed modeling, analysis and simulation of thruster assemblies.
• Conduct component sizing and selection for thruster assemblies.
• Design, plan and execute thruster development and test campaigns.

Skills

Combustion

Thermodynamics

Heat Transfer

Fluid Dynamics

Team Collaboration

3-D Modeling Software

Test Planning

Data Correlation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or related Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Fluent

TDK

CEA

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Summary

Axiom Space is seeking a Propulsion Staff Engineer – Thruster Systems to own the end‑to‑end technical execution of bipropellant thrusters from requirements definition through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness. The role requires leading cross‑functional teams and suppliers to deliver aggressive cost and schedule targets while maintaining safety and configuration discipline.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end technical execution of bipropellant thruster assemblies, including combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, igniters, and associated valves/instrumentation.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert in thruster design, providing technical authority on system architecture, sizing, fluid/thermal/structural analyses, materials/manufacturability, and performance optimization across the full development lifecycle.
• Perform detailed modeling, analysis and simulation of thruster assemblies using tools such as ANSYS, Fluent, TDK and CEA to evaluate combustion performance, thermal effects, structural margins and transient behaviors.
• Conduct component sizing and selection for thruster assemblies, ensuring compatibility with performance, thermal, structural, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Design, plan and execute thruster development, qualification and acceptance test campaigns; define instrumentation requirements, perform test planning, and correlate data to validate analytical models.
• Lead and participate in internal and external design and gate reviews, trade studies, and sub‑assembly integration activities; ensure compliance with system requirements and program milestones.
• Coordinate and manage technical requirements and design verification activities with external vendors and suppliers, interfacing on cost, schedule, design, manufacturing and acceptance.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less‑experienced engineers.
• Deliver against performance, safety, cost and schedule targets for the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or related Engineering (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion, with demonstrated depth in thruster or liquid rocket engine design and development.
• Hands‑on experience with engine/thruster design, development, qualification and integration, including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, igniters and thermal management interfaces.
• Expertise in combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics with application to thruster performance and thermal analysis.
• Experience developing and executing test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation selection and data correlation.
• Proficiency with 3‑D modeling software such as SolidWorks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate within teams and cross‑functionally.
• Ability to execute priorities with precision and pace, and high emotional intelligence to work effectively with others.

Preferred

• Passion for space and the mission.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and resourcefulness.
• Proven resilience, perseverance and adaptability.
• Proficiency with modern systems and tools to accelerate delivery.

Competencies

• Accountability and sense of urgency.
• Extreme ownership of deliverables.
• Execution and delivery excellence.
• Efficient and effective problem solving.

Work Environment

Generally an office environment; may involve indoor or outdoor work depending on tasks. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Will need to work evenings and weekends as required for critical milestones.

Equal Opportunity

Axiom Space is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected characteristic.