Senior Solid Propulsion Development Engineer - Hypersonics

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave

Retirement

Job summary

Leidos seeks a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead propulsion hardware design for hypersonics and related programs. You will work with a diverse team across Leidos and subcontractors to advance solid propulsion systems for spacecraft and missiles.

Required ABET-accredited Bachelor's in a STEM field and 8+ years in propulsion; Master’s degree preferred. Active clearance and willingness to relocate to Huntsville, AL are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 8+ years propulsion development or test engineering; 6+ years with Master’s.
• Security clearance required; willing to relocate to Huntsville/North Alabama.
• Experience with solid rocket motor testing and ground testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of propulsion hardware for hypersonics and other programs.
• Design, build, and test prototype solid rocket motor components.
• Negotiate design elements with propulsion system suppliers.

Skills

Rocket propulsion

Ground testing

Trade studies

Documentation

Security clearance

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead and oversee work on a hypersonics vehicle and other programs, joining a diverse team that develops propulsion systems for spacecraft, missile systems, and a wide range of critical technologies for civil, military, and commercial space programs. This individual will work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team, interfacing with other project teams within Leidos as well as subcontractors to develop the solid propulsion system for a hypersonic vehicle.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as lead technical engineer for task focused on design and development of critical propulsion related hardware.
• Design, build, and test prototype solid rocket motor components.
• Understand and negotiate design elements with propulsion system suppliers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or other STEM degree from an ABET accredited university.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion development or test engineering roles, 6 years with a Master’s degree.
• Understanding of functional performance requirements as well as component designs for solid rocket motor applications.
• Experience in planning for and supporting ground testing of solid propulsion systems, including thermal characterization, environmental testing, and static firing.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct trade studies and develop analysis & evaluation tools.
• Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including manufacturing and testing policies and directives.
• Able to clearly write clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports and present results to multi-disciplinary teams and customer stakeholders.
• Must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
• Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar from an ABET accredited university.
• Development testing experience in a rapid iteration environment.
• Experience with DoD, NASA, or other aerospace development projects.
• Experience working with government test agencies
• Experience with free-jet test testing, especially for solid-fuel ramjet (SFRJ) systems.
• Experience with missile systems in a production environment.
• Project planning and scheduling, including selection and management of multiple suppliers.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

• Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.