Senior Propulsion Engineer

Cahaba Federal Solutions; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Cahaba Federal Solutions seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer to contribute to propulsion analysis, modeling, and evaluation for rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles. The role focuses on evaluating propulsion systems and preparing rigorous technical assessments addressing customer inquiries.

Ideal candidates have ABET-accredited degrees and 5+ years in propulsion design/test/evaluation, with SECRET clearance eligibility and readiness to work in the Dayton, Ohio area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion design, testing, or evaluation.
• Proficiency in scientific computing languages (C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB).
• Active SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility and Dayton, OH area relocation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct propulsion engineering analyses for rocket-propelled vehicles.
• Address customer inquiries related to propulsion systems.
• Develop formal technical reports and recommendations.
• Perform propulsion-related studies to support mission objectives.

Skills

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Scientific computing

Technical reporting

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

JANNAF propulsion databases

NASA CEA

Propulsion software

Job description

Description

Active SECRET clearance required with SCI Eligibility

Cahaba Federal Solutions is a rapidly growing small business specializing in intelligence, prototyping and integration, systems engineering, and technology development. Recognized as one of Huntsville’s Best Places to Work® for the past 3 years, as a Best Place for Working Parents® for the past 3 years, and as the winner of the Huntsville/Madison County Emerging Business of the Year® for 2025, Cahaba is a trusted partner in advancing national security through innovative solutions to critical challenges. We are committed to supporting our nation's most vital missions with dedication and expertise. Joining the Cahaba team means access to meaningful career growth, opportunities for personal development, and the chance to tackle engaging and impactful work.

Job Summary

The Senior Propulsion Engineer will contribute to a broad range of work involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles. This position focuses on evaluating propulsion systems, responding to customer technical inquiries, and developing rigorous technical analyses related to liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering analysis and technical assessment activities involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles.
• Address customer inquiries related to propulsion systems, including liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors.
• Develop formal technical reports and recommendations based on professional experience, background research, propulsion databases, design analyses, and other technical resources.
• Perform propulsion-related assessments and studies to support customer decision-making and mission objectives.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 5+ years of demonstrable experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems or fluid mechanical systems.
• Formal education or training in the following propulsion-related disciplines: thermodynamics with an emphasis on thermal and chemical equilibrium, stoichiometry, quasi 1D/2D compressible flow, basic rocket nozzle design theory, structural mechanics, and classical mechanics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific computing for mechanical or aerospace engineering analyses using one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB).
• Ability to conduct technical research, develop assessments, and communicate findings effectively through written reports.
• Motivated self-starter who can work independently and as part of a collaborative technical team.
• Active SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Dayton, Ohio area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, with an emphasis on chemical rocket propulsion.
• Recent TS/SCI eligibility.
• 8+ years of professional experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems, with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors.
• Professional experience utilizing propulsion databases maintained by JANNAF.
• Proven capability using engineering software to analyze the performance of chemical propellants (e.g., NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)).
• Professional experience applying the following propulsion and fluid mechanics topics:
• Fluid measurement instrumentation (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples)
• Combustion of liquid and solid propellants
• Performance analysis of chemical propellants
• For solid rocket motors: igniter design, propellant grain design, and structural analysis of propellant grains and rocket cases
• For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed systems, coolant systems, and identification and management of pressure losses
• Professional experience collaborating with other engineers to assess total vehicle performance with respect to each subsystem.

Cahaba’s full-time employees are rewarded with competitive salaries* and an outstanding comprehensive benefits package. These benefits include Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, Guardian vision and dental insurance, company-funded life, short-term and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness benefits, generous paid time off, and robust retirement plan solutions.

Employment opportunities at Cahaba Federal Solutions are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cahaba is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. If you need assistance accessing our online system or require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].

• Compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, to include a candidate’s relevant work experience, location, skills, and certifications.