Staff Propulsion Engineer

Agile Space Industries; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 144,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental & vision plans

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Job summary

Agile Space Industries in Seattle, WA, seeks an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer to lead design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems. You will interpret hot-fire data, drive design changes, and mentor junior engineers across a fast-growing propulsion team.

The role focuses on hypergolic propulsion, thermal management, and system optimization, with responsibilities spanning concept to production, test campaigns, and customer communications.

Qualifications

• MS or higher degree in related engineering or technical field.
• 12+ years of experience working on 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.
• Experience with performance modeling tools like TDK or JANNAF compliant tools.
• Experience selecting valves for chemical propulsion applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of hypergolic propulsion systems and components.
• Establish architecture and design injectors for engines based on operational requirements.
• Design and layout of storable propellant rocket engine combustion devices.
• Conduct trade studies to balance thermal restrictions and performance needs.
• Work with suppliers to identify appropriate valves for propellant control.
• Perform system-level trade studies, modeling, and simulation to optimize performance.
• Own propulsion hardware from concept through production support.
• Collaborate with structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Develop and review engineering documentation and design reviews.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for design/test issues.
• Support test campaigns, including planning, data analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare presentations for customer communication and gated reviews.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety/quality requirements.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Hypergolic propulsion

Fluid dynamics

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Combustion

Technical leadership

Propulsion testing & data analysis

SolidWorks CAD

MATLAB/Simulink

TDK/JANNAF tools

Education

MS or higher in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

TDK

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS

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 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.

Staff Propulsion Design Engineer

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.

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 like 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.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• This position is open across multiple levels (Staff, Senior Staff, & Principal). Final leveling will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and overall qualifications during the interview process.

Physical Requirements

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

Employment Type

Exempt

Salary

$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.

Work Schedule

Full Time

Location

Seattle, WA#LI-Onsite

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.

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%.
• 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.

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. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to .

Recruitment Notice

Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.

At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.