Senior Propulsion & Thermal Systems Engineer

Fortastra Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Healthcare

Equity

401(k)

Social events

Job summary

Fortastra in Torrance, CA, is seeking a Sr. Thermal & Propulsion Engineer to own the design and implementation of bipropellant propulsion hardware and Thermal Control Systems (TCS). This hardware-focused role emphasizes hands-on build and flight-ready hardware over pure analysis.

You will take systems from concept through detailed design to assembly, working with technicians and suppliers. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in propulsion/thermal-fluid hardware, CAD proficiency, and proven

Qualifications

• 5+ years in propulsion/thermal-fluid hardware for aerospace.
• Hands-on propulsion hardware design incl bipropellant thrusters and feed systems.
• Design Thermal Control Systems using thermodynamics and heat transfer.
• CAD proficiency for mechanical design and integration.
• Fluids/thermal knowledge applied to hardware-centric designs.
• Take systems from concept to fabrication and flight testing.
• Hardware-focused, not primarily analysis role.
• Strong communication in a small, fast-moving team.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end design of bipropellant propulsion hardware including tanks, valves, and plumbing.
• Architect Thermal Control Systems for propulsion subsystems.
• Define fluid/thermal architectures for reliable performance across mission phases.
• Create CAD models, assemblies, and drawings for propulsion and thermal hardware.
• Select/qualify components and drive design-for-manufacture decisions.
• Collaborate with technicians and suppliers to build and integrate hardware.
• Work with systems/structures/avionics/GNC to define interfaces and loads.
• Support test planning and execution for propulsion and thermal systems.

Skills

Propulsion hardware design

Thermal-fluid systems

CAD tools

System integration

Troubleshooting hardware

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

M.S. degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Fortastra in Torrance, CA, is seeking a Sr. Thermal & Propulsion Engineer to own the design and implementation of bipropellant propulsion hardware and Thermal Control Systems (TCS). This hardware-focused role emphasizes hands-on build and flight-ready hardware over pure analysis.

You will take systems from concept through detailed design to assembly, working with technicians and suppliers. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in propulsion/thermal-fluid hardware, CAD proficiency, and proven