Senior Propulsion Engineer – Solid Rocket Motors

Karman; Mukilteo, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo, WA, seeks a seasoned propulsion engineer to lead solid rocket motor propulsion development. You will drive system-level design, perform ballistic modeling, and support testing and manufacturing throughout the lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have extensive aerospace/defense experience, strong internal ballistics knowledge, and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field.
• Typically 4–10 years of aerospace/defense engineering experience.
• Strong propulsion and internal ballistics modeling knowledge.
• Experience developing internal ballistic models, preferably for solid rocket motors.
• DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Knowledge of military and commercial design specifications.

Responsibilities

• Supports solid rocket propulsion system design across grain geometry, case design, insulation, inhibitors, igniters, and nozzles.
• Conceptualizes, designs, and develops propulsion devices and systems per requirements and standards.
• Performs full ballistic modeling, including propellant selection, sizing, nozzle sizing, insulation and inhibitor definition, and performance analysis.
• Performs or supports thermal, ablation, and erosion analyses when applicable.
• Creates 2-D layouts and 3-D solid models to define propulsion concepts and configurations.
• Verifies calculations, ballistic models, and analysis work completed by peers and junior engineers.
• Documents performance requirements, test plans, procedures, reports, and compliance evidence.
• Reviews propulsion designs for cost, manufacturability, and quality considerations.
• Creates engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing requirements, and inspection specifications.
• Supports manufacturing, assembly, QA, testing and deployment through propulsion development lifecycle.
• Provides technical support to internal teams, external customers, and business development.
• Supports bench and field testing, including static fire test setup and instrumentation selection.
• Evaluates static fire test data: acoustic stability, thrust, pressure, and delivery impulse.
• Mentors junior engineers and provides technical guidance in propulsion development.

Skills

Propulsion

Internal ballistics

Solid rocket motors

CAD/CAE

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo, WA, seeks a seasoned propulsion engineer to lead solid rocket motor propulsion development. You will drive system-level design, perform ballistic modeling, and support testing and manufacturing throughout the lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have extensive aerospace/defense experience, strong internal ballistics knowledge, and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret clearance.