Propulsion Engineer - Solid

Role overview A solid rocket propulsion engineering role designing, analyzing, and qualifying propulsion hardware for space, defense, and national security missions. The position covers the full product lifecycle, from concept and analysis through development testing, qualification, and production support, with cross-functional work alongside manufacturing, quality, test, systems, program management, and supplier teams.

Responsibilities - Design, analyze, and develop solid rocket motor and propulsion system components, subsystems, and integrated hardware from concept through qualification and production - Perform engineering analyses on motor performance, internal ballistics, combustion, thermal environments, structural integrity, insulation, nozzles, grains, and cases - Develop and execute engineering requirements, analyses, drawings, specifications, test plans, procedures, and technical reports - Support propulsion development and qualification testing, including test planning, instrumentation, data review, anomaly investigation, and root-cause and corrective-action work - Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, failure investigations, and configuration changes, balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, cost, schedule, and safety

Requirements - Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering or a related technical field with 4–15 years of relevant propulsion or aerospace experience; a master's degree with 2–13 years is also acceptable, as is equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree - Hands-on experience designing, analyzing, developing, testing, or supporting production of solid rocket motors, solid propulsion systems, or closely related energetic hardware - Working knowledge of solid propulsion disciplines such as internal ballistics, combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, structural analysis, nozzle, grain, insulation, or case design - Experience applying engineering analysis methods and tools to evaluate design performance and solve complex technical problems - Experience supporting component, subsystem, or system-level testing and using data to evaluate performance and investigate anomalies - Clear technical communication through documentation, presentations, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration

Nice to have - Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical work packages or mentor less experienced engineers, depending on seniority

Benefits and work setup - Onsite in Reno, Folsom, Long Beach, or Huntsville, or remote, with relocation assistance potentially available to qualified candidates - Flexible time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with significant employer premium contributions, 401(k) with a 50% company match up to 8% of contributions, flexible affordable gym memberships, wellness programs, and additional voluntary benefits - U.S. person status required due to U.S. export controls (ITAR/EAR) - Posted pay range of $103,000–$218,000 USD for California and Nevada