Propulsion Systems Project Engineer

MANTECH; Florida; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MANTECH seeks a Propulsion Systems Project Engineer with Launch Vehicle experience to support Space Force’s National Security Space Launch at Cape Canaveral, FL.

The role involves on-site senior engineering oversight across propulsion subsystems, risk assessment, and coordination with multiple stakeholders to ensure mission success and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or STEM field; 1.5 years per 1 year of education may be accepted.
• 12+ years launch systems structures and mechanical systems engineering or related experience.
• 3+ years Launch Vehicle or related industry experience.
• Knowledge of LV systems including liquid propellant engines, ordnance, hydraulics, in-flight avionics, ground support, structures, and composites.
• Active Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site senior engineering expertise and technical oversight at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• Review, analyze, and resolve propulsion system designs, manufacturing, test, and launch data.
• Plan and participate in Engineering Boards, provide risk assessments and design reviews.
• Prepare customer teams for launch contractor reviews, site walkdowns, rehearsals, and active launch operations.
• Support Space Systems Command processes during briefings and reviews, coordinating with Aerospace Corp, new contractors, site personnel, and suppliers.
• Perform rigorous data management, data mining, and reporting while protecting proprietary information.
• Prepare concise weekly and periodic evaluations, technical reports, and status updates.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Launch vehicle experience

Engineering oversight

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or STEM

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Office

SharePoint

Google Workspace

Job description

MANTECH seeks a highly talented Propulsion Systems Project Engineer with experience related to Launch Vehicle (LV) systems. To help the Space Force redefine the future of National Security Space Launch (NSSL). This position is based in Cape Canaveral, FL.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Provide on‑site senior engineering expertise and deliver high‑level technical oversight at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station customer site, leveraging extensive knowledge of USSF, NASA, and launch vehicle systems including Cryogenics, Electrical, Mechanical, Pneumatic Systems, Propellant Supply, solid rocket motors, liquid rocket engines, ordnance, and Mission Assurance.
• Perform, review, and analyze launch vehicle propulsion system designs, manufacturing, test, and launch data, while assessing requirements, design drawings, and procedures to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary engineering challenges from pedigree and hardware acceptance through to post‑flight analyses.
• Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and participate in Engineering Boards, providing expert risk assessments, mitigation planning, design and procedure reviews, failure analysis, and actionable technical recommendations.
• Prepare the Customer team for and directly support launch contractor reviews, audits, site walkdowns, rehearsals, active launch operations, and real‑time anomaly resolution processes.
• Serve as the technical authority to support USSF customers during Chief Engineer briefings, Weekly Status Reviews, and other Space Systems Command processes, while actively collaborating with The Aerospace Corporation, New Launch Contractors, launch site personnel, and suppliers.
• Perform rigorous engineering data management, including data mining and reporting, while successfully keeping proprietary contractor information separate and securely protected.
• Prepare clear, concise weekly and periodic written evaluations, technical reports, and status updates for customer and leadership review.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical) or STEM field. 1.5 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of each 1 year of education/degree requirement.
• 12+ years launch systems structures and mechanical systems engineering, technical program management, or other related experience.
• 3+ years of Launch Vehicle or related industry experience.
• Knowledge of LV systems (liquid propellant rocket engines and systems, ordnance, hydraulics, in‑flight avionics, LV ground support equipment, LV structures, composite materials, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong Propulsion Systems hardware design and test experience
• Familiarity with space, launch, and safety standards.
• Experience with USSF, NASA, National Reconnaissance Office, and LCs preferred.
• Experience with agile software products, such as Warp Core, Jira, Confluence, MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Google Workspace, and Information Technology systems is highly preferred.
• Previous project management experience preferred.

Clearance Requirements

• Active Secret Clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
• Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.