Senior Propulsion Engineer

Socket.dev; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical Coverage

Gym Memberships

401(k) Match

Wellness programs

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Mojave is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to advance propulsion systems for sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. You will contribute across sizing, design, analysis, fabrication, and testing, reporting to the Propulsion Lead and collaborating with the Pittsburgh team.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical/Aerospace with 6+ years in propulsion; CFD, CAD, and hands‑on fabrication experience are highly valued. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment with mission impact.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 6+ years in rocket propulsion development.
• Cryogenic propellants experience (LCH4/LLOX preferred).
• Experience with high‑pressure fluid/pneumatic systems.
• Ability to develop conceptual designs and perform trade studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and test rocket propulsion systems using cryogenic propellants.
• Size propulsion components and analyze performance.
• Create hardware drawings for manufacturing and component specs.
• Develop test plans and post‑process test results.
• Lead readiness and safety reviews for testing activities.

Skills

Rocket propulsion

Cryogenic propellants

High-pressure fluids

Trade studies

Hardware drawings

Test planning

Technical reporting

Safety analyses

CFD tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Python/C++

Hands-on fabrication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

ANSYS CFD

GFSSP

RTE

Amesim

Thermal Desktop

SolidWorks

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.

Job Summary

Voyager wants you to be a critical contributor in the Mojave office to advance the development of propulsion systems for Voyager’s sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. You will be responsible for working directly on all aspects of the propulsion systems, from initial component and system sizing through design, analysis, fabrication, and test. You will regularly report to the Propulsion Lead on progress, as part of a joint propulsion team collaborating with the Pittsburgh office.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the engineering team in the design and test of rocket propulsion systems using cryogenic propellants
• Size components of propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, turbomachinery, tanks, and pressurization systems
• Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology
• Build and run propulsion system fluid-thermal models to predict component and system behavior
• Perform trade studies to guide design and operational decisions
• Lead the creation of hardware drawings to support manufacturing
• Create component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results for component and system testing
• Contribute to and participate in technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities
• Perform risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Write and present technical reports

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 6+ years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development
• Experience with cryogenic propellants (liquid methane and liquid oxygen preferred)
• Experience in designing and analyzing high-pressure fluid and/or pneumatic systems
• Proven capability to develop conceptual designs, perform trade studies, and down select to a design baseline

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with a variety of cryogenic propulsion systems and various engine cycles
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Proficient in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (GFSSP, RTE, RPA) and for system level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
• Familiar with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and requirements
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDRE’s
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Fortran)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations, including safety requirements
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and/or qualification testing
• Experience with hypergolic liquid bipropellant engine systems, test facility design, assembly, and operation

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and FREE on‑demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long‑term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well‑being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission‑driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.