Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)

Akkodis; Centennial (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,768 - 137,760; Full time

Job summary

Akkodis seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices) to own the full lifecycle of propulsion development for space systems. You will lead design from concept through flight qualification, focusing on injectors, regen cooling, acoustic stability, and high-temperature materials, with hands-on use of AM techniques.

This role requires advanced CEA knowledge, GD&T CAD proficiency, and collaboration with suppliers, with leadership of multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster development.
• Hands-on combustion device design experience (injectors, chambers, regen cooling, valves).
• Regenerative cooling design experience with thermal margin and pressure drop analysis.
• CEA proficiency to predict propellant performance and nozzle expansion trade studies.
• Combustion instability expertise and acoustic cavity design experience.
• Experience with high-temperature alloys (Inconel, Haynes).
• Additive manufacturing experience for propulsion hardware.
• CAD drawing generation to GD&T standards.
• Operational aerospace build/integration/test experience.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead combustion device design from concept through flight qualification.
• Develop regenerative cooling circuits and validate thermal margins.
• Use CEA and other tools to predict performance and guide design decisions.
• Champion additive manufacturing to accelerate development cycles.
• Collaborate with suppliers to interpret test data and drive improvements.
• Define architectures and support builds from design through integration and test.
• Mentor junior propulsion engineers and develop design processes.
• Review CAD models and drawings to GD&T standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturability and system performance.

Skills

Liquid rocket engine design

Combustion device design

Regenerative cooling design

CEA proficiency

Combustion instability analysis

High-temperature alloys

Additive manufacturing

GD&T CAD drawing

Aerospace build/integration/test

Leadership/mentorship

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NASA CEA

CAD software

AM processes (SLM/DMLS)

Job description

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

Work Type: Remote/Onsite

Rate Range: $55/hour to $100/hour; The rate may be negotiable based on experience, education, geographic location, and other factors.

YOUR MISSION

As a Senior Combustion Devices Design Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of combustion device development — from architecture trades through flight delivery. You will serve as the team's subject matter expert on injectors, regeneratively cooled thrust chambers, acoustic stability, and high‑temperature materials, bringing hands‑on mastery of design tools and modern manufacturing methods including additive manufacturing. This is your opportunity to design and develop the next generation of in‑space propulsion systems and directly shape the future of on‑orbit capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead combustion device design: Own the design, analysis, and optimization of combustion chambers, injectors, regen cooling circuits, nozzles, and flow systems for advanced satellite and space vehicle thrusters — from concept through flight qualification.
• Apply regenerative cooling expertise: Develop and validate regenerative cooling designs for thrust chambers, supporting and/or performing thermal and structural analysis to ensure margin and reliability across the full operating envelope.
• Drive combustion performance and stability: Use CEA and other combustion analysis tools to predict performance and guide design decisions. Apply knowledge of combustion instability mechanisms to design and validate acoustic cavities and other passive suppression features.
• Leverage additive manufacturing: Champion the use of AM processes — including designs in Inconel and other high-temperature superalloys — to accelerate development cycles, reduce part count, and enable geometries not achievable through conventional manufacturing.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners: Work closely with engine and thruster suppliers to interpret hot‑fire and cold‑flow test data and translate findings into future design improvements.
• Lead robust trade studies: Define thruster and engine architecture, select components, and support build campaigns from initial design through integration and test.
• Build team capability: Mentor junior engineers, develop best practices, analysis tools, checklists, and design release templates that scale with the team.
• Review and release hardware: Review CAD models and engineering drawings to GD&T standards, providing direct technical feedback and design guidance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement: Drive initiatives that enhance design efficiency, manufacturability, and system-level performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

• 8+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster development.
• Hands‑on combustion device design: Demonstrated experience designing injectors, combustion chambers, regen nozzles, valves, and nozzle extensions.
• Regenerative cooling design: Practical experience sizing and validating regen cooling circuits for thrust chambers, including thermal margin and pressure drop analysis.
• CEA proficiency: Demonstrated experience running NASA CEA (or equivalent) to predict propellant performance, O/F sensitivity, and nozzle expansion trade studies.
• Combustion instability expertise: Familiarity with acoustic combustion instability modes and experience designing acoustic cavities or other suppression features.
• High‑temperature alloys: Experience designing and specifying hardware in Inconel, Haynes, or other high‑temperature superalloys for propulsion applications.
• Additive manufacturing: Experience leveraging AM (SLM, DMLS, or equivalent) in the design and development of propulsion hardware.
• CAD proficiency with engineering drawing generation to GD&T standards.
• Operational experience in aerospace build, integration, and test environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. Citizen, eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (advanced degrees count toward years of experience).

• Experience designing, building, testing, and qualifying thruster or engine components through hot‑fire, cold‑flow, and leak/checkout campaigns.
• Direct team leadership and mentorship of junior propulsion engineers.
• Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.
• Track record of innovative problem‑solving in complex mechanical and thermodynamic design challenges.
• Experience in a startup or similarly resource‑constrained, high‑tempo environment.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Our client is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.