Senior Propulsion Engineer - Rocket Motors for Hypersonics

Castelion Corporation; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Castelion is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to design, build, and test rocket motor systems for long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. You will lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, hardware-driven environment from concept through flight test, owning critical propulsion elements and ensuring reliability.

Required 5+ years in rocket propulsion design/analysis, solid motor background, and proficiency with MATLAB/ANSYS.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering with advanced study preferred.
• 5+ years in rocket propulsion design, analysis, and testing for aerospace/defense.
• Strong background in solid rocket motor design and performance.
• Experience with propulsion testing and data analysis.
• Familiarity with high-temp, high-pressure systems and hardware integration.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/ANSYS or equivalent tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop rocket motor systems, including grain geometry, case structures, insulation, and nozzle assemblies.
• Lead propulsion hardware architecture and detailed design to meet performance and thermal requirements.
• Perform internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses for reliability under extreme conditions.
• Collaborate with structures, thermal, GNC, and manufacturing teams for seamless integration.
• Plan and execute static fire tests and development campaigns with instrumentation and data analysis.
• Conduct failure analysis and drive design improvements and risk reduction.
• Define qualification and flight test plans, translating results into system improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and share propulsion best practices.
• Partner with program leadership for technical trades aligned to mission success.

Skills

Rocket propulsion design

Solid rocket motors

Thermal analysis

Internal ballistics

Hardware integration

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

ANSYS

Job description

Castelion is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to design, build, and test rocket motor systems for long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. You will lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, hardware-driven environment from concept through flight test, owning critical propulsion elements and ensuring reliability.

Required 5+ years in rocket propulsion design/analysis, solid motor background, and proficiency with MATLAB/ANSYS.