Spaceflight Propulsion Engineer - Early-Career

bastion technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Bastion Technologies, Inc. in Houston, TX seeks an early‑career Spaceflight Propulsion Engineer to support propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.

The role emphasizes applying fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine design to real hardware. You will develop models and analyses in Python or MATLAB, create or review CAD drawings, participate in propulsion hardware assembly and testing, and coordinate with engineers, technicians, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• Foundational knowledge in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Ability to interpret drawings, requirements and test procedures.
• Willingness to travel and work in lab/test environments.

Responsibilities

• Apply propulsion and spacecraft pressure system principles to design and analysis.
• Develop models and data analyses using Python or MATLAB.
• Create or review CAD drawings and 3D models.
• Support propulsion hardware assembly, testing, and data analysis.
• Coordinate with engineers, technicians, and suppliers.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Materials

Structures

Machine design

Python

MATLAB

CAD

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Creo

Job description

The Spaceflight Propulsion Engineer - Early-Career will support the space program located in Houston, TX.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
• Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
• Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
• Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
• Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
• Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
• Assist with the selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
• Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
• Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
• Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
• Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
• Support the preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
• Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
• Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
• Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
• Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
• Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
• Prepare and present clear technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
• Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
• Other duties as required.

REQUIRED:

This position has been posted at multiple levels (must meet minimum level indicated). Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status due to the sensitivity of customer related information.
• This position requires experience in the space industry or Department of Defense/Department of War.
• Must have a bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Must have a minimum of 1 years of recent and related work experience.
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
• Willingness to participate in both analytical and hands‑on engineering activities.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
• Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
• Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment.

DESIRED:

• Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
• Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
• Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
• Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
• Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid‑system components.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
• Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal‑vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
• Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight‑hardware certification.
• Interest in human spaceflight, small‑spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

WORK LOCATION:

• This position is located onsite and offers a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off; some travel may be required.
• Schedules are subject to change based on the requirements of the position and/or customer needs.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS REQUIRED:

All Bastion employees must be able to pass a national agency check and some positions require clearance and will require an extensive background verification/check process.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING REQUIRED:

All Bastion employees must be able to pass a pre‑employment drug screen and are required to participate in periodic random drug and alcohol screenings.

STANDARD BASTION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and TEAMS.
• All of Bastion's employees must be team players with strong work ethics and must be culture oriented.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form, with internal and external customers.
• Able to follow company programs, processes, procedures, practices, requirements, goals, and objectives.
• Must be organized with good time management skills and must be able to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.
• Regular attendance in accordance with an established work schedule is critical.

BASTION BENEFITS:

Bastion offers a wide range of benefits for their full‑time employees; medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, disability benefits, life insurance, retirement 401k, vacation, sick pay, holidays, flexible work schedules (when available), along with many other options. We also support career advancement through professional training and development.

ABOUT BASTION:

Bastion offers career opportunities with competitive benefits, exciting possibilities for advancement, and an exceptional work environment; the well‑being of our employees is a priority, and our flexibility allows our employees a great work life balance. Our culture is based on strong business ethics, integrity, and professionalism. Our team members are known for their initiative and high‑quality work. When it comes to our employees, we value, respect, and help them grow in their careers.

WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE:

At Bastion, we are passionate about our people and our safety culture. Individual thoughts, opinions, and perspectives bring value and help us develop solutions for challenging problems, they make us more inventive, and more resilient.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Bastion participates in e-Verify.

#EntryLevel

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BT-26209