Senior Propulsion Engineer, Launch Vehicle Systems

CesiumAstro, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer in El Segundo, CA, to lead design, analysis, and development of LV structures and hardware with a strong emphasis on FEA and thermal simulations. You will supervise cross-functional teams and drive testing and qualification across aerospace projects.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in aerospace design/analysis, expertise in ANSYS tools, MATLAB, and CAD, and excellent communication and leadership skills to guide a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of aerospace design and analysis experience.
• Expertise in Ansys tools: Mechanical, Explicit Dynamics (LS-Dyna), Linear and Nonlinear Eigenvalue Buckling, Harmonic Response, and Random Vibrations.
• Proficiency in MATLAB for programming, data analysis, and optimization.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX).
• Strong foundation in systems engineering principles, requirements flowdown, and integration.
• Hands-on experience with hardware development, testing, and qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of launch vehicle structures, stage interfaces, and payload accommodations.
• Perform static and transient structural and thermal analysis of LV components and systems under operational loads.
• Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and optimize designs.
• Prepare CAD models for FEA analysis and manufacturing.
• Generate technical documentation and contributions to PDRs and CDRs.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding.
• Participate in mission operations, anomaly investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership/mentoring

Systems engineering principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Ansys Mechanical

LS-Dyna

MATLAB

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

CesiumAstro is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer in El Segundo, CA, to lead design, analysis, and development of LV structures and hardware with a strong emphasis on FEA and thermal simulations. You will supervise cross-functional teams and drive testing and qualification across aerospace projects.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in aerospace design/analysis, expertise in ANSYS tools, MATLAB, and CAD, and excellent communication and leadership skills to guide a fast-paced startup environment.