Staff Propulsion Engineer

Agile Space Industries; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 144,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced Staff/Senior/Principal Propulsion Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems in Durango, CO. You will drive devices from concept through production, interpret hot-fire data, and mentor junior engineers within a fast-paced, growth-oriented team.

The role requires deep technical expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, rocket propulsion, and spacecraft system architecture, with

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of propulsion experience and hands-on hardware development.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
• Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.
• Experience testing propulsion hardware and interpreting data.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Ability to lead hardware development from concept to testing.

Responsibilities

• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept through testing and production support.
• Lead design and development of liquid propulsion systems and components.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to propulsion technology roadmap.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation and major design reviews.
• Collaborate with structures, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test teams.
• Support hot-fire test campaigns, data analysis, and design iteration.
• Perform system-level trade studies and design optimization for performance and reliability.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Combustion

Liquid propulsion design

Propulsion testing

CAD (SolidWorks)

Hardware development ownership

Education

B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

CFD

FEA

Job description

Description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.

This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Agile is seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer who will lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive Agile’s propulsion devices from concept through production. The ideal candidate for this role will also be able to interpret hot‑fire test data and drive design modification as well as provide technical guidance to junior engineers on sound design practices. Agile follows a fast‑paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence as a technical leader. Critical skillsets being sought after are expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, rocket propulsion, spacecraft system architecture.

Job Type

Full-time

Responsibilities

• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.


• Lead the design and development of liquid propulsion systems and combustion devices, including engines, injectors, chambers, and propellant feed systems.


• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to Agile’s long‑term propulsion technology roadmap.


• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.


• Prepare and review engineering documentation, requirements, specifications, and major design review packages (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).


• Collaborate closely with structures, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to drive integrated solutions.


• Support hot‑fire test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and design iteration.


• Perform system‑level trade studies, performance modeling, and design optimization focused on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and thermal stability.

Requirements

Staff Level

• B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.


• 12+ years of experience developing propulsion systems or related aerospace hardware.


• Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.


• Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.


• Experience supporting propulsion testing and interpreting test data.


• Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks.


• Demonstrated ability to own hardware development from concept through testing.

Senior Staff Level

• All qualifications listed above, plus:


• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex propulsion development efforts.


• Experience leading propulsion architecture trades and major design decisions.


• Proven track record delivering propulsion hardware through qualification and production.


• Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical work products.


• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams through technical challenges and ambiguity.

Principal Level

• All qualifications listed above, plus:


• Recognized subject matter expertise in propulsion system design and development.


• Experience defining propulsion technology roadmaps, system architectures, or strategic technical direction.


• Proven record of leading large‑scale propulsion programs or highly complex technical efforts.


• Ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor senior engineers.


• Experience serving as a primary technical authority during customer engagements and major design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems.


• Familiarity with CFD, FEA, and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink) to understand analysis results.


• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, machining, and casting


• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense).


• Knowledge of combustion instabilities.


• Prior technical leadership, project ownership and/or people management experience.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type

Exempt

Work Schedule

Full-Time

Salary

The expected salary range for this role is $144,000 – $200,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end. The posted salary band reflects the compensation range for candidates located in Colorado, in compliance with Colorado state law. If you are located in another state, please contact HR to inquire about the applicable compensation band, as requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

Posting Timeline

This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

What You'll Love About Us

Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.

Disclaimer

Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission‑driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full‑time employees. Part‑time, temporary, or other non‑full‑time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Reasonable Accommodation

At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.

Don't meet every single requirement?

At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.