Propulsion Systems Engineer II - Chemical Propulsion & Testing

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena seeks a Level II Propulsion Systems Engineer to advance spacecraft propulsion analyses and testing. You will develop models, run analyses, and support hardware delivery, while collaborating with a cross-disciplinary propulsion team.

The role emphasizes strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and rocket propulsion, with hands-on testing and data reduction. A degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering is required, with relevant experience in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field with years of experience as stated.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and rocket propulsion.
• Experience with propulsion subsystem analyses and data reduction.
• Ability to perform hand calculations and Excel-level analyses.
• Experience communicating complex results to multi-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with propulsion subsystem ground testing.
• Ability to read and understand fluid schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Teamwork and independent work capability.

Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft chemical propulsion subsystem analyses including flow-pressure drop and sizing.
• Update and improve analysis tools and models.
• Create user manuals for in-house analysis tools.
• Develop and execute ground tests to validate models and reduce data.
• Collaborate with propulsion team and provide peer checks and inputs.
• Present methodologies, assumptions, and results to project teams and management.
• Support propulsion hardware deliveries and interface with vendors.
• Contribute to propulsion system assembly, integration, and test activities.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat and mass transfer

Rocket propulsion

Propulsion subsystem analysis

Hand calculations

Excel calculations

Technical presentation

Ground testing

Fluid schematics

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline

Master’s degree with related experience

Tools

MATLAB

Star-CCM+

ANSYS

SINDA/FLUINT

GFSSP

Siemens NX

TeamCenter

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena seeks a Level II Propulsion Systems Engineer to advance spacecraft propulsion analyses and testing. You will develop models, run analyses, and support hardware delivery, while collaborating with a cross-disciplinary propulsion team.

The role emphasizes strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and rocket propulsion, with hands-on testing and data reduction. A degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering is required, with relevant experience in a dynamic,