Propulsion Systems Engineer

Benchmark Space Systems Inc; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision & Dental Insurance

Life, AD&D and disability insurances

Voluntary Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) with employer match

Flexible schedule

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

Benchmark Space Systems is seeking a Propulsion Systems Engineer to own full propulsion system lifecycle, from requirements through design, build, test and flight, working with Engineering, Production, and Test teams.

This on-site role will be based in Pleasanton, California or Burlington, VT, offering an entrepreneurial environment and opportunities to advance propulsion capabilities. You will collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust propulsion solutions for space missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• 3+ years of experience with aerospace fluid systems.
• U.S. Person requirement: eligible under export control; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate full-cycle ownership of propulsion components and spacecraft propulsion systems, from requirements definition through design, build, test and flight.
• Perform fluid and thermophysical analysis to ensure reliable thermal and fluidic operation (pressure budgets, fluid systems and dynamic analysis, system modeling).
• Write and execute test plans for development and flight qualification campaigns.
• Execute on prototype hardware, support fabrication and testing as needed, to enable rapid iteration.
• Support research and development efforts to continue to advance Benchmark’s capabilities.
• Develop subject matter expertise in specific subfields of propulsion system design.
• Work with other disciplines and departments to ensure proper support of the product through its lifecycle and support the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Compressible flow

Structural design

GD&T

Propulsion systems

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Propulsion fluid systems

P&ID / instrumentation diagrams

Education

Bachelors/Master's in Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Propulsion Systems Engineer to join our Propulsion team.

This role will be responsible for full-cycle product ownership of spacecraft propulsion systems, to include designing, building and testing of systems and components. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, and Test teams.

This is an on-site role at our Pleasanton, California or Burlington, VT location.

About Benchmark:

At Benchmark Space Systems, we’re pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.

Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting‑edge concepts into real‑world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to problem solve, not be afraid to ask questions, and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Demonstrate full-cycle ownership of propulsion components and spacecraft propulsion systems, from requirements definition through design, build, test and flight.
• Perform fluid and thermophysical analysis to ensure reliable thermal and fluidic operation (pressure budgets, fluid systems and dynamic analysis, system modeling).
• Write and execute test plans for development and flight qualification campaigns.
• Execute on prototype hardware, support fabrication and testing as needed, to enable rapid iteration.
• Support research and development efforts to continue to advance Benchmark’s capabilities.
• Develop subject matter expertise in specific subfields of propulsion system design.
• Work with other disciplines and departments to ensure proper support of the product through its lifecycle and support the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience with aerospace fluid systems.
• U.S. Person Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and access to export-controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Knowledge of thermodynamic principles, compressible flow dynamics, and structural design.
• Experience with commercial 3D design software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or others.
• Proficiency in GD&T and basic manufacturing principles.
• Experience working with common propulsion/fluid system components including, but not limited to, valves, regulators, pressure transducers, pumps and tanks.
• Experience developing and working with plumbing and instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in an entrepreneurial, fast‑paced, and matrixed cross‑functional environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

What makes you stand out:

• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft fluid systems design.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑pressure, high‑energy or hazardous fluid systems.
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion, including green or non‑green storable propellants.
• Advanced thermal or fluid analysis experience (e.g. ANSYS, Thermal Desktop).
• Experience with fluid component ownership, including for example thrusters, valves, regulators, pumps or combustion devices.
• Basic knowledge of satellite operations and subsystems.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision & Dental Insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and kneel, sometimes for a longer periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or completing documentation work.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @benchmark-space.com