Solid Propulsion Development Engineer - Hypersonics

Leidos; United States; Remote; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Solid Propulsion Development Engineer to lead design and development of propulsion hardware for a hypersonics vehicle and related programs, interfacing with cross-functional teams and subcontractors.

The role requires ABET-accredited degree, 4+ years rocket propulsion experience, ground testing expertise, and strong reporting skills; ability to obtain Top Secret clearance is expected.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related STEM field.
• Minimum 4 years in rocket propulsion development or test engineering; 2 years with a Master’s degree.
• Understanding propulsion system performance and solid rocket motor components.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Propulsion design

Ground testing planning

Trade studies

Technical reporting

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Security clearance awareness

Education

ABET-accredited degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

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 4 years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion development or test engineering roles, 2 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.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 29, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.