ABL Space Systems

Senior Propulsion Engineer (Stage Hardware)

El Segundo, California, United States

$145-210k

Full Time

an hour ago

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Job description

ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0.

Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.

Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.

Senior Propulsion Engineer (Stage Hardware)

The Stage Hardware team is responsible for vehicle-level fluid controls and routing, implementation of thermal and vibration solutions, and the design and integration of avionics mechanical systems. As a Senior Propulsion Engineer at ABL, you will take complete, end-to-end ownership of these systems from a clean sheet design to integration onto the flight vehicle.

We are a group of well-rounded engineers who thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving work environment, completing detailed design and analysis on Monday, executing development or qualification testing on Wednesday, and resolving complex manufacturing or integration challenges by Friday. You will need to excel at collaborating with other engineers and disciplines to produce streamlined cross-functional designs and have a deep understanding of both mechanical and fluid system problems and their interactions. With your spatial awareness, mechanical design acumen, and compressible/incompressible fluid knowledge, you will help architect and optimize the next generation of robust launch vehicles for high cadence production and flight.

Example projects include: propellant tank sump and distribution systems, detailed mechanical design of avionics enclosures or valve manifolds, development testing of integrated subsystems, high-level system layout and packaging.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Full ownership for the design and development of vehicle fluid system hardware, avionics enclosures, and/or secondary structures
All aspects of assigned project/product lifecycle: gathering requirements, conceptual design, system layout and interfaces, material and vendor selection, structural analysis (hand calculations and FEA), fluid analysis as required, CAD/drawing generation, manufacturing, testing, and integration
Interpret and refine vehicle fluid schematics (P&ID’s) and translate them to as-designed reality
Perform fluid component sizing and analysis using hand calculations, custom scripts, and more advanced analysis packages
Work with structures and avionics engineers to ensure clean cross-functional design
Develop test plans for vehicle fluid systems and lead qualification/acceptance/checkout testing efforts to verify functionality. Inclusive of planning, documentation, and execution of test campaigns
Create and present internal and external facing technical documentation - including engineering drawings - that clearly convey design intent, adherence to standards, requirements, and specifications
Manage project schedules, compliance with internal and external requirements, budget, milestones, and track status
Interface with manufacturing engineers and other production partners to coordinate hardware integration, testing, and related activities
Mentor other engineers on the team
Occasionally travel to remote launch and test sites to support operational objectives, as required (< 5% of time)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited university
6+ years of experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, or equivalent professional environments with direct hands-on experience developing complex fluid and/or mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience in detailed mechanical component design, structural analysis, drafting, build and integration
Adept at interpreting and/or defining Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID’s)
Experience referencing and/or authoring interface control documents, component lists, and other key technical documentation
Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
Proficient with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software
Proficient with finite element analysis software (ANSYS, FEMAP/NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar)
Experience designing mass efficient metallic components

Strong practical knowledge of GD&T
Practical experience with prototyping/manufacturing methods including machining and welding
Familiarity with high pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and associated design/operational considerations
Strong knowledge of compressible/incompressible flow, fluid properties, and utilities like REFPROP
Experience using GFSSP or other fluid network analysis tools
Working knowledge of aerospace vehicle environments and typical load sources
Familiarity with Teamcenter or other PLM systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Open to travel up to 10% of the time

This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

- Company paid life insurance and LTD coverage

- 4% 401k match

- Student loan repayment assistance program

- Paid parental leave

- Family planning assistance program

- Company paid financial wellness program

- Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employees (have separate templates for different types of job post)

- Relocation bonus offered to qualified candidates

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.