Sr. Thermal & Propulsion 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 designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. We integrate advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale.
Our culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution. We expect leaders to think systemically, act decisively, and take ownership of mission outcomes. Aggressive innovation. Disciplined execution. Strength among the stars.

You will join Fortastra’s Engineering Division, working at the intersection of propulsion, thermal control, and spacecraft systems. The team is responsible for the design, integration, and flight readiness of core vehicle subsystems that directly determine mission reliability and on-orbit performance.

The Role

Fortastra is seeking a Sr. Thermal & Propulsion Engineer to own the design and implementation of our bipropellant propulsion hardware and Thermal Control Systems (TCS). This is a hardware-focused role: you will architect, design, and build propulsion and thermal-fluid systems including thrusters, feed systems (tanks, valves, lines), and thermal management hardware that must operate reliably in the space environment.

You will be responsible for taking systems from concept through detailed design and into assembly and integration, with less emphasis on pure analysis or simulation and more on practical, flight-ready hardware. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience with propulsion and thermal-fluid systems, strong mechanical design instincts, and a track record of delivering hardware that works on the vehicle.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design of bipropellant propulsion hardware, including thrusters, tanks, valves, regulators, filters, and feed system plumbing.
• Architect and implement Thermal Control Systems (TCS) for propulsion and related spacecraft subsystems, focusing on thermal-fluid behavior and hardware-level solutions.
• Define fluid and thermal architectures that ensure reliable performance across all mission phases, including start-up, steady-state, transients, and off-nominal conditions.
• Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and drawings for propulsion and thermal hardware, including routing, brackets, manifolds, and integration hardware.
• Select, specify, and qualify propulsion and thermal components (valves, sensors, heaters, fittings, insulation, etc.) and drive supplier engagement and design-for-manufacture decisions.
• Work hands-on with technicians and manufacturing partners to build, assemble, and integrate propulsion and TCS hardware into the spacecraft.
• Collaborate with systems, structures, avionics, and GNC teams to define interfaces, loads, and constraints, ensuring robust mechanical and functional integration.
• Support test planning and execution for propulsion and thermal systems as needed, with a primary focus on designing hardware that is robust, testable, and flight-ready from the outset.

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field (M.S. is a plus but not required).
• 5+ years of industry experience working on propulsion and/or thermal-fluid systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or similar aerospace hardware.
• Demonstrated, hands‑on experience designing and developing propulsion hardware, including bipropellant thrusters and feed systems (tanks, valves, tubing, regulators, fittings).
• Experience designing Thermal Control Systems (TCS) for complex aerospace hardware, with practical application of thermodynamics and heat transfer to hardware-level solutions.
• Proficiency with CAD tools for mechanical design, layout, and integration of propulsion and thermal hardware.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal-fluids as applied to propellant management, feed systems, and thermal control, with a bias toward implementable, hardware-centric designs.
• Proven ability to take systems from concept through detailed design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and troubleshooting on real hardware.
• Preference for engineers who gravitate toward hardware design and build rather than primarily analysis or simulation roles.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to operate in a small, fast-moving, highly integrated engineering team.

Requirements

• 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA

Why Fortastra

We are a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes from first principles through flight and directly shape the future of resilient, mission‑critical spacecraft autonomy.

FORTASTRA TALENT & CULTURE PRINCIPLES

Values Driven by First Principles

We value engineers and operators who prioritize sound judgment, candor, technical rigor, bias for action, and intellectual honesty over corporate consensus. We care about the caliber of the system you build and the speed at which you solve problems.

Talent Density Over Headcount

A high‑performing startup is built on dense talent, not organizational bloat. A single exceptional engineer designs, tests, and delivers faster than a bloated committee. We intentionally maintain a lean, elite engineering crew where every contributor directly moves the needle on the mission.

We hire domain experts to execute, not to micromanage them. You own your systems end‑to‑end, from initial architecture and hardware design to testing and deployment. With absolute ownership comes the responsibility to deliver mission critical reliability.

Mission Context Over Bureaucracy

The best execution happens when teams are provided clear technical objectives, constraints, and operational context, rather than rigid top‑down policies. We strip away red tape so builders can iterate, make decisions, and push hardware and flight software forward rapidly.

Disciplined Speed & Flight Rigor

We move fast because we test often and kill artificial bottlenecks, not because we cut corners. Rapid iteration on the test stand and in simulation is how we learn; an uncompromising flight‑readiness bar is how we earn trust. Precision without friction, speed without recklessness.

You don’t come to Fortastra to climb a corporate ladder or manage slide decks; you come to build complex, flight‑ready systems from day one. Growth here is organic, driven by the magnitude of technical challenges you solve and the trust you build across the team.

We take care of our employees so they can focus on what matters most: family, well‑being, and life outside of work.

Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge.

Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for.

Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.

401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead.

Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of.

The pay range for this role is $130,000.00 - $170,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position.