Staff Propulsion Engineer

Kokopelli Capital; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kokopelli Capital is looking for a Staff Propulsion Design Engineer based in Seattle. This hybrid role involves leading the design of propulsion systems, engaging with cross-functional teams, and conducting trade studies for engine combustion chambers.

The ideal candidate will have a M.S. or higher degree and over 12 years of experience in propulsion systems development. The position offers a competitive salary range of $144,000 – $200,000 annually, and requires residency within commuting distance of Seattle.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience working on the development of propulsion systems.
• Deep understanding of fuel film cooling and regenerative cooling in bipropellant engines.
• Experience with propulsion testing and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of hypergolic propulsion systems and components.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Define and conduct trade studies for engine combustion chambers.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Combustion

SolidWorks CAD

Data analysis

Education

M.S. or higher degree in related engineering or technical field

Tools

TDK

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry, headquartered in Durango, Colorado with operations in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. Our mission is to design, build, and test in‑space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose.

Position Overview

Staff Propulsion Design Engineer – Seattle‑based hybrid. Residency within commuting distance of Seattle required. In‑office expectations will be determined by business needs and may include a defined hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of hypergolic propulsion systems and components, including combustion devices, liquid rocket engines, propellant systems, and supporting components.
• Establish architecture and design injectors for engines based on operational requirements including pulse mode, steady state or throttle operations and performance needs.
• Design and layout of storable propellant rocket engine combustion devices.
• Define and conduct trade studies to design combustion chambers for engines by balancing thermal restrictions and performance requirements by implementing the right cooling methods.
• Work with supplier(s) to identify the appropriate valves for propellant control based on hypergol compatibility and performance requirements such as response times, cycle frequency, etc.
• Perform system‑level trade studies, modeling, and simulation to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability. Performance modeling can include use of TDK or similar industry standard tools.
• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Develop and review engineering documentation, including requirements, specifications, and design reviews.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
• Support test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare formal presentations and reports for customer communication and gated product development reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers.
• Contribute to long‑term technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives.
• Utilize SolidWorks CAD for design of components and/or assemblies.

Qualifications

• M.S. or higher degree in related engineering or technical field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 12+ years of experience working on the development of propulsion systems. Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
• Deep understanding of fuel film cooling and regenerative cooling in bipropellant engines as well as design experience to ensure thermal stability in engines.
• Experience working with performance modeling tools like TDK or similar JANNAF compliant tools commonly used in the storable propulsion industry.
• Working knowledge of and experience with selection of valves for different chemical propulsion applications.
• Multi‑disciplined engineer confident working through ambiguity and uncertainty across complex assignments.
• Proven track record of delivering hypergolic propulsion systems from concept to production.
• Experience with propulsion testing and data analysis, specifically liquid propulsion.

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.

Location

Seattle, Washington (Hybrid)

Salary

The expected salary range for this role is $144,000 – $200,000 annually.

Work Schedule

Full Time

Physical Requirements

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

EEO Statement

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [e-mail].