Senior Propulsion Engineer

voyagertechnologiesinc; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Pittsburgh is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to lead the design, integration, and testing of spacecraft propulsion systems.

You will coordinate with program management and subsystems, develop hypergolic propulsion concepts, and guide a team of 3+ engineers through multi-year programs. The role demands strong vendor management, technical rigor, and clear communication, with on-site support and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field with 8+ years in propulsion.
• Master's Degree with 6+ years in propulsion preferred.
• Knowledge of propulsion architecture, components, and suppliers.
• Ability to coordinate a technical team of 3+ engineers.
• Experience with valves, pressure vessels, pumps, thrusters, instrumentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to balance quality, cost, and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, testing, and operation of new propulsion systems for spacecraft.
• Coordinate with management, systems engineering, and subsystems on requirements and risk.
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of hypergolic propulsion components.
• Develop vendor specifications and review manufacturing processes.
• Create integration instructions and support spacecraft assembly.
• Support safety reviews for propulsion testing and on-site vendor hardware.
• Write mission operations procedures and provide real-time support.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Hypergolic propulsion

Team leadership

Vendor management

Mechanical design

Technical communication

Requirement verification

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Amesim

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.

Senior Propulsion Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems

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% fo