Propulsion Engineer Subject Matter Expert

a.i. solutions is seeking a motivated Propulsion Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join the team supporting the NASA Launch Service Program at Kennedy Space Center. The Propulsion Engineer will be assigned to the Vehicle Engineering and Analysis (VE&A) department performing tasks related to commercial launch vehicle systems and supporting our NASA customer. The individual will ensure that NASA maintains insight into the launch vehicle capabilities and exercises approval authority on applicable deliverables/analyses. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to embrace the a.i. solutions mission and work to continually exceed the expectations of our customers.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities:

• Provide insight into launch vehicle propulsion systems throughout product lifecycle, including production, test, integration, flight, and maintenance/refurbishment, as applicable
• Lead technical assessments of component or system design or test sequence changes, nonconformances, risks, and test or flight anomalies, coordinating with other engineering disciplines as necessary
• Act as primary liaison between the NASA customer and the launch vehicle provider
• Perform post-flight data reviews and support resolution of any identified issues
• Prepare Engineering Review Board packages and present to NASA’s LSP Engineering Review Board and/or mission reviews
• Participate in the development of test plans and technical reviews, and other certification efforts for new launch service providers/launch vehicles
• Develop motor internal ballistics models to evaluate compliance of solid rocket motors with performance requirements established by commercial launch vehicle providers.
• Evaluate loaded grain design, propellant formulation, propellant thermochemical analyses, and ballistics performance analyses in support of solid rocket motor design/development/testing efforts
• Evaluate flight and static test full-scale motor ballistics to verify compliance with established requirements. Review sub-scale burning rate, propellant characterization, and static test data to maintain quality control databases in support of LSP’s Mission Assurance responsibilities
• Develop, utilize, and continuously improve computational tools for the design, optimization, and analysis of solid propellant rocket motors and their sub-systems.
• Participate in launch vehicle propulsion systems pre-launch integration activities, checkouts, problem resolution, and launch support
• Identify process inefficiencies and develop innovative strategies to streamline workflows, optimize resources, and help posture the team to manage the increasing launch cadence with an expanding launch provider and launch vehicle landscape
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with specifications and fulfillment of contractual obligations
• Interface effectively with both external customers and internal team members through presentations, formal reports, and meetings
• Offer mentorship and guidance, as needed, to support on-boarding members, foster camaraderie, cross train engineers, and aid in knowledge transfer to ease transitions.
• Sharp analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to work independently without supervision, and as part of a team
• Travel occasionally as required <10%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace /Mechanical engineering or related technical field
• 15+ years of experience with launch vehicle propulsion systems or relevant support
• Knowledge of space launch vehicle propulsion systems
• Obtain successful completion of a government background check
• U.S. Citizenship

Desired Background:

• Knowledge of commercial launch vehicle providers
• Experience with liquid engine systems
• Experience with solid propulsion systems
• Experience with launch operations and console support
• Demonstrated leadership accomplishments, both professionally and personally
• Proactive in identifying and addressing challenges to include innovations that result in positive organizational impact

MAKE A MOVE, MAKE AN IMPACT.

a.i. solutions was founded over 25 years ago with a mission to MAKE AN IMPACT by exceeding expectations. A move to our team means using your passion and ingenuity to MAKE AN IMPACT through innovations, defending national security, and enabling access to space. MAKE A MOVE, to join a team driven by a shared ambition, and rewarded for individual contributions.

BENEFITS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Salary ranges from $180,000 to $205,000 depending on relevant experience and qualifications
• View Our Benefits Offerings

• Paid Time Off and Holidays

• 401k Safe Harbor Plan, we contribute on Day #1

• Paid Parental leave for Mom & Dad

• Company Paid Life/AD&D

• Tuition Assistance

• Wellness plans that reward wellbeing & work life harmony