Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Job Summary 

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. 

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work on the systems that deliver spacecraft to their destinations, and we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. 

As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering) in the Propulsion Department, you will provide expert technical assistance for spacecraft propulsion systems used on a broad range of space vehicles, from technology development through on-orbit operations.  You will collaborate with our customers and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority space missions with challenging propulsion requirements.  Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, manufacture, testing, and operations for multiple programs.  You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.   

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least (3) regular onsite workdays and some remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions, using new technologies to allow more responsive operations: 

• Participate in the overall design, development, test, and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking, and delivery subsystems 

• Develop program requirements, assess risks and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reduction 

• Participate in support and/or lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews; evaluate, and report upon analyses, studies, and tests of components and systems 

• Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issues 

• Review contractor products to verify requirement compliance and general propulsion system efficiency and effectivity 

• Provide real-time support during test, launch, and operations of spacecraft propulsion systems 

• Function as propulsion system liaison for flight Anomaly Resolution and In-Flight Investigation reviews   

• Maintain awareness of multiple program propulsion activities by being an active participant in technical, safety, and integration working groups and meetings 

• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, management, and customers 

• Closely follow the Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) and Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) technical efforts as it relates to spacecraft propulsion and be able to contribute and report as the effort continues to mature  

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff – Propulsion Engineering 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required 

• A minimum of 4 years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is required

• Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical-propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystems 

• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts 

• Experience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplines  

• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehicles 

• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems 

• Willing to travel occasionally to customer and contractor site to support customer needs or professional conferences for presenting research results approximately 10-15% (as required) 

• This position may require ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Propulsion Engineering include:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is required 

• A minimum of 6 years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is required

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• 8+ years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is strongly preferred

• Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design is preferred

• Strong aptitude with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems is highly desirable

• Experience with space system engineering practices and standards is strongly desired