Senior Propulsion Engineer - Flight

Leapspace; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program

Retirement Planning

Growth Opportunities

Flexible Time Off

Remote Work Flexibility

Health Benefits

Insurance Coverage

Job summary

LEAP in Colorado is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to own complex flight hardware design from concept through release, mentoring engineers across mechanical teams. You will lead 3D CAD development, GD&T, and combustion device design with a strong emphasis on manufacturability and reliability.

The role includes leading design reviews and delivering BOMs and detailed drawings. The position offers a hybrid work model in Colorado with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of propulsion design experience in high-performance systems.
• Ownership of major assemblies from concept through flight or production.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX) and strong GD&T knowledge.
• Experience with combustion analysis (CEA), injector sizing, and cooling design.
• Understanding of propulsion best practices, materials, and FOD tolerance.
• DFM/DFA methodologies and fabrication methods knowledge.
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Teamcenter) and BOM management.
• Organized, detail-oriented CAD data management and revision control.

Responsibilities

• Own complex propulsion components from concept through flight release.
• Lead flight hardware design of thrust chambers, heat exchangers, and plumbing.
• Perform hand calculations and models to validate designs against stress/flow requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive architecture decisions.
• Design combustion devices to meet system requirements with manufacturability in mind.
• Lead design reviews with internal teams and vendors for DFM/DFA compliance.
• Produce flight-ready BOMs and detailed drawings with GD&T.

Skills

5+ years propulsion design

Major assemblies ownership

3D CAD NX

GD&T knowledge

Combustion analysis (CEA)

Injector sizing & stability

DFM & DFA experience

PLM systems (Teamcenter)

BOM management

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter PLM

Job description

LEAP Senior Propulsion Engineer - Flight Broomfield, CO·Full time Company website

As our Senior Flight Propulsion Engineer, you will lead the design and development of detailed 3D CAD models and fabrication drawings that bring our rocket engine flight hardware to reality. From injectors and regenerative cooled chambers to tubing assemblies, you will ensure that every propulsion system is efficiently designed for minimal mass, ease of integration, manufacturability, and robust performance.

About LEAP

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Description

Own Core Responsibilities

You will own complex propulsion components to complete combustion devices end-to-end and serve as a technical leader within the mechanical team, mentoring junior engineers and working closely with structures, avionics, and manufacturing to drive successful flight outcomes. You will lead a component developing and manufacturing deliver consistent results.

• Manage and deliver all levels of design reports, designs, documentation, analysis, etc.

Impacts and Outcomes

• Own and Lead Flight Hardware Design: Develop and own 3D CAD models of primary flight hardware (Liquid Rocket Thrust Chamber Assemblies, Heat Exchangers, Plumbing Systems, etc.), taking assemblies from concept through release.
• Drive Performance Optimization: Perform hand calculations and computer models to validate designs and ensure compliance with stress and flow requirements
• Technical Leadership: Guide design standards, mentor junior engineers and designers, and contribute to architectural decisions impacting overall engine configuration.
• Combustion Compatibility and Stability: Design and define combustion device (Injector, Regenerative Chambers, Igniters, heat exchangers) to meet system-level requirements while ensuring high reliability and manufacturability.
• Manufacturing Integration: Lead design reviews with internal teams and vendors. Ensure hardware is DFM/DFA compliant and proactively resolve producibility risks.
• Produce Flight-Ready Documentation: Deliver BOMs and detailed component and assembly drawings that follow GD&T standards and aerospace best practices, ensuring unambiguous build and inspection criteria.
• Own Configuration & CAD Integrity: Maintain part libraries, revision histories, interface control documentation, and BOM accuracy within PLM systems, ensuring the engineering team operates from a single source of truth.

What You Bring to the Team

Required Skills

• Relevant 5+ years of experience in propulsion design for high-performance systems, preferably in the rocket launch industry
• Demonstrated ownership of major assemblies from concept through flight or production
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (preferably NX) and strong command of GD&T principles
• Experience performing combustion analysis (CEA or equivalent), Injector stability and sizing, and cooling channel design for flight-critical hardware
• Strong understanding of rocket propulsion design best practices (material selection, structural efficiency, FOD tolerance, etc)
• Proven experience applying DFM and DFA methodologies, with practical knowledge of fabrication techniques including welding, machining, and additive processes
• Familiarity with PLM systems (preferably Teamcenter) and configuration management for large assembly designs
• Organized, detail-oriented approach to CAD data management, BOM creation, revision control, and collaborative environments

Bonus Points

• Experience in high-growth, startup, or technically complex environments
• Additional skills or domain knowledge relevant to the role

Compensation

Salary Range: $140,000 – 215,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado.

Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics.

We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations.

We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities.

At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process.

If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!