An experienced Propulsion or Mechanical Engineer is needed at the senior, staff, or principal level to serve as Deputy Lead for rocket propulsion systems on a hypersonic aircraft. The role encompasses design, integration, testing, and operational support for flight and ground hardware, with potential to grow into a technical leadership position.
Responsibilities
- Support the design, fabrication, testing, and operational phases of flight and ground propulsion hardware
- Conduct structural, fluid, and thermal analyses on mechanical parts and assemblies
- Define and document test requirements, plans, procedures, and post-test reports
- Produce detailed drawings for flight and ground test components and assemblies
- Assist technicians in assembling and installing propulsion systems on the aircraft and ground infrastructure
- Test individual propulsion components and subsystems in preparation for integrated testing
- Develop custom engineering tools as necessary to fulfill project requirements
- Maintain accurate records of critical propulsion component inventory
- Oversee relationships with key external suppliers and vendors
- Serve as technical lead for clean room operations
- Coordinate the engineering release schedule with production planning
- Monitor and manage the propulsion system's configuration across the vehicle
- Review and approve engineering deliverables including drawings, work instructions, and analysis reports
- Provide consistent and detailed updates to the Propulsion Lead
- Support the integration of advanced aerospace subsystems
- Uphold principles of honesty, accountability, integrity, and commitment to responsibilities
Requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more areas: fluid subsystem design, mechanical design, mechanical or fluid testing at component or assembly level, structural engineering, rocket testing, cryogenic systems, or electrical/instrumentation systems
- Strong communication skills to convey technical issues and solutions to diverse audiences and resolve technical concerns
- Background in designing fluid-mechanical components and performing stress analysis
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling for parts and assemblies
- Experience in ground testing of propulsion systems
- Hands-on involvement in planning and executing component or subsystem-level tests
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve issues in complex systems
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
- Capable of adapting quickly to shifting priorities
- Eligible to obtain and retain a security clearance
Nice to Have
- Prior experience in technical leadership roles
- Experience managing personnel
- Background in producing engineering drawings and work instructions
- Familiarity with liquid oxygen system design and operation
- Direct experience testing liquid rocket engines
- Involvement in planning and executing component or subsystem-level testing
- Current TS/SCI security clearance
Tech Stack
Solidworks, Matlab, Python, Simulink, Simscape, Curtiss-Wright DAS Studio, Jira, 3D CAD modeling, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Benefits
- 9/80 work schedule
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Company matches 50% of employee 401(k) contributions, up to $11,500 annually
- Tuition reimbursement program
Compensation
$120,500 - $237,000 depending on experience level (Sr, Staff, Principal)
Work Arrangement
onsite — Mojave, CA
Team
Engineering team under Propulsion Lead; reports to Propulsion Lead
- Diversity and inclusion
- Equal opportunity employment
- Integrity and responsibility
- Innovation in aerospace and national security
Additional Information
- Position located in Mojave, CA
- Estimated travel requirement is less than 5%
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- U.S. Citizenship may be required for positions requiring government clearance
- This role may include operating company vehicles as part of job duties
- Mojave Air & Spaceport is situated 95 miles north of Los Angeles
Not specified
