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 Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Project Engineer) – Propulsion Engineering in the Propulsion Department, you will collaborate with our NASA customer and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority human space missions with challenging propulsion requirements. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, 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.   

The ideal candidate will be hired into VSD/Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and will primarily support the Civil Systems Group (CSG) to work with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion and Power Systems Division.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX,  which requires 100% onsite work. 

* This position is contingent upon the availability of future funding from the customer.

What You’ll Be Doing  

Supporting the development and sustainment of advanced human spacecraft propulsion systems for NASA, using your propulsion experience to allow more responsive operations: 

• Be an integral part of the NASA JSC propulsion team, able to provide independent technical review assessments 

• Assists team lead with day-to-day team activities such as meeting coverage and technical reviews 

• Review, track and present weekly status on all propulsion-related pending document reviews and actions 

• Use fundamental and advanced engineering principles in, but not limited to, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, technical evaluation, problem solving, and optimization of chemical propulsion and fluid systems for human space flight vehicles 

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

• Function as propulsion system liaison for flight anomaly resolution and in-flight investigation reviews, capable of solving propulsion questions with low levels of information 

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

• Develop technical and progress reports to communicate results, status, and recommendations to Aerospace management, program offices, and NASA 

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 

• Experience with design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements for pressure fed in space bi-propellant NTO/MMH engines 

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and integrate solutions across engineering disciplines and diverse teams 

• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical 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 

• Willingness to travel domestically to support customer needs, approximately 10% (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 Project Engineer – Propulsion Engineering

• Advanced degree in a STEM discipline 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: 

• More than (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 

• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems 

• Knowledge of space system engineering practices and standards 

• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines 

• Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling 

• Familiarity working with international partners and human space flight  

• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA and/or DoD program life cycle  

• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent DoD processes) 

• Exposure performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA 

• Experience in aerospace industry project management and working closely with customers and/or contractor