Senior Propulsion Engineer

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

Flexible work options (telework days,

Paid time off & holidays

401k + company match

Job summary

SpaceWorks Enterprises, an Atlanta-based aerospace R&D company, is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team working on advanced propulsion systems from concept to flight testing.

You will analyze, design, and validate propulsion components, develop thermal models, and support integration with mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems at our Atlanta facility. A strong background in propulsion physics and leadership is required, with DoD clearance eligibility preferred.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant propulsion or aerospace experience.
• Strong fundamentals in propulsion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Interest in rockets, RDREs, cold gas thrusters, turboramjets, and scramjets.
• Strategic thinking with proven technical leadership.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, multidisciplinary teams.
• CAD proficiency: SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or Creo.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• US citizenship and DoD security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct propulsion design studies, cycle analysis, and architecture assessments.
• Design and evaluate propulsion components from concept to test.
• Develop full-vehicle thermal models for heating and temperature response.
• Support integration of propulsion with structural, fluid, and electrical systems.
• Participate in ground testing, procedure development, and data reduction.
• Model propulsion performance and compare with experimental data.
• Communicate with suppliers, partners, and customers.
• Brief customers and government on status and roadmaps.

Skills

5+ years experience

Propulsion fundamentals

Propulsion systems interest

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Eng

MS degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng (bonus)

Tools

Solid Works

Unigraphics NX

CATIA

PTC Creo

Job description

SpaceWorks

SpaceWorks Enterprises is an Atlanta-based aerospace R&D company pushing the boundaries of what's possible in high-speed flight systems, space operations, and advanced vehicle design. We work across the aerospace industry, from early-concept studies and multidisciplinary analysis to hardware prototyping and commercial software development. Our team delivers thoughtful and creative engineering solutions to customers including NASA, the Department of War, and leading commercial space organizations.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

The Senior Propulsion Engineer will work within a small, multidisciplinary team of engineers on the design, analysis, development, and evaluation of advanced propulsion systems across a wide range of applications. The role spans the full product lifecycle, from early conceptual studies and trade space exploration through ground testing and flight system development. The balance of work shifts between analytical/design tasks and hands‑on hardware activities depending on program phase and need. The successful candidate brings strong fundamentals in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, and is comfortable moving fluidly between high-fidelity modeling at their desk and direct hardware support in the lab or at the test site. The position is full‑time and will be located at our facilities in Atlanta, GA.

• Conduct conceptual and advanced propulsion design studies, including cycle analysis, performance trades, and system architecture assessments that may not progress to hardware
• Design, analyze, and evaluate propulsion system components — including thrust chambers, ignition systems, valves, insulation, and seals — from paper studies through fabrication and test, as program phase dictates
• Develop full‑vehicle and subsystem thermal models capturing external heating environments, structural conduction, and internal temperature response
• Support mechanical, electrical, and fluid integration of propulsion system elements, including liquid propulsion systems, propellant tanks, and pressurization systems
• Participate in ground testing activities — including procedure development, execution, and data reduction — with hands‑on involvement scaled to program needs
• Perform propulsion performance modeling and model validation against experimental data
• Communicate effectively with external suppliers, partners, and customers through written and verbal channels
• Brief customers across industry and U.S. government on program status, system performance, technical progress, and development roadmaps

What We Offer

At SpaceWorks, we believe in cultivating a culture that offers the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It is our firm belief that work‑life balance is critical to strong, happy, healthy employees. As we challenge what is possible and push the boundaries of innovation, we stand together as a team. Here you will find a community that is dedicated to our mission as well as your personal goals. Here are just a few of the benefits we offer to our employees:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage options including medical, telemedicine, vision, dental, long term disability, short term disability, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules - the position is in‑office at our facility in Atlanta, GA, however we do offer telework days, compressed workweek options, core hours, and flex time to provide flexibility to our employees
• Time to reset - paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
• 401k + company match, opportunities for bonuses, employee experience events throughout the year, employee assistance program, and more

What We Are Looking For

• BS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in launch vehicle, aircraft, or spacecraft systems
• Fundamental understanding of propulsion systems including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion
• Interest in a variety of aerospace propulsion systems including rockets, RDREs, cold gas thrusters, turboramjets, and scramjets
• Demonstrate strategic and innovative thinking with strong technical leadership skills
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary, collaborative environment typical of a small business
• Proficiency in computer aided design tools such as Solid Works, Unigraphics NX, CATIA, and/or PTC Creo
• Possess strong written and verbal communications skills
• Expertise with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance

Bonus Points If You Have

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar background
• Interest in a variety of aerospace propulsion systems including rockets, RDREs, cold gas thrusters, turboramjets, and scramjets
• Hands‑on experience in liquid rocket engine integration and testing
• Fundamental understanding of dynamic environments including shock, vibration, and acoustic loads
• Experience designing structures compatible with cryogenic and non‑cryogenic fluids
• Experience with pipe/tube routing and/or flexibility analysis
• Proficiency with transient fluid network modeling including tools such as GFSSP and/or ROCETS
• Familiarity with modeling in Python, C/C++, Fortran and/or MATLAB
• Familiarity with aerospace fluid components (fittings, check valves, solenoid valves, relief valves, regulators, etc.)
• Familiarity with measurement devices (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gages, etc.)
• Experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Desire to lead and manage individual contributors

SEI Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.