Turbopump Systems Engineer, Level III — Space Propulsion

Cowboy Space; San Carlos (CA); On-site; CAD 188,000 - 244,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Lunch in office

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking an engineer to own turbopump hardware design from concept through testing and flight. You will trade designs, prove requirements, and ensure the case for flight hardware meets all analyses and on-stand verifications.

The role demands hands-on experience with high-stress turbomachinery, GD&T, and cross-disciplinary design integration in a fast-moving startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and GD&T with tolerance stack-ups.
• Working knowledge of turbomachinery fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience from design through build and test.
• Experience selecting materials and manufacturing processes for high-stress, high-cycle applications.
• ITAR citizenship/eligibility requirements as described in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Own the design definition, interfaces, fabrication, build and test performance of turbopump hardware.
• Bring creativity to design challenges and see solutions through to completion.
• Develop mechanical design from concept through hot-fire testing and flight.
• Integrate hydro, aero, structures, secondary flow, and thermals into a single design.
• Control configuration and pedigree across build, test, and refurbishment cycles.
• Drive fabrication, first-article review, and nonconformance disposition.
• Define verification plan and decide what to prove by analysis vs on the stand.
• Ensure test readiness, instrument requests, and real-time data reduction.

Skills

3D CAD & GD&T

Turbomachinery fundamentals

Hands-on hardware

Materials & processes selection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical

Master’s/PhD in related field (preferred)

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking an engineer to own turbopump hardware design from concept through testing and flight. You will trade designs, prove requirements, and ensure the case for flight hardware meets all analyses and on-stand verifications.

The role demands hands-on experience with high-stress turbomachinery, GD&T, and cross-disciplinary design integration in a fast-moving startup environment.