Senior Propulsion Engineer

Socket.dev; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Pittsburgh, PA is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to design, build, test, and operate propulsion systems for spacecraft including lunar landers. The role reports to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager in Engineering and is hybrid with regular on-site work.

You will lead propulsion system design, coordinate with program management and subsystems, develop hypergolic propulsion concepts, manage vendors, and support mission operations and safety reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, OR a Master’s Degree with 6 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of propulsion system architecture, best practices, components, and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers aligned to a common goal in a multi-year project.
• Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems.
• Component specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for components such as valves, pressure vessels, pumps, thrusters, instrumentation.
• Ability to drive technical rigor in engineering design and verification to meet quality requirements.
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of new propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of hypergol-based propulsion systems including tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines, and pressurization systems.
• Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
• Create integration instructions, and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
• Contribute to technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities of propulsion system components, including on-site support of vendor-supplied hardware when necessary
• Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

Skills

Propulsion systems knowledge

Team coordination

Risk-informed decision making

Vendor management

Technical writing

Technical rigor

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master’s in related field

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.

The Senior Propulsion Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating propulsion systems for spacecraft including lunar landers.

The position reports to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA. This role is hybrid with regular on-site presence expected.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of new propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of hypergol-based propulsion systems including tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines, and pressurization systems.
• Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
• Create integration instructions, and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
• Contribute to technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities of propulsion system components, including on-site support of vendor-supplied hardware when necessary
• Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, OR a Master’s Degree with 6 years of related experience
• Knowledge of propulsion system architecture, best practices, components, and suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers aligned to a common goal in a multi-year project
• Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems
• Component specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for components such as valves, pressure vessels, pumps, thrusters, instrumentation
• Ability to drive technical rigor in engineering design and verification to meet quality requirements
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Senior-level experience with hypergolic propulsion systems is desired
• Experience with using fluid system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop or Amesim preferred) to perform propulsion system trade studies
• Experience with space and / or lunar systems, environments, and design considerations
• Familiarity with propulsion system and spacecraft cleanliness standards
• Experience with hypergolic fluids handling and safety
• Test facility design, assembly, and operation

Travel, Physical, and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel: occasional, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to a week when on-site support is required
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds
• ITAR access required

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.