Propulsion Engineer

• Job Title: Senior Propulsion Engineer
• Location : Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA
• Pay Rate Range: 65-105 Per Hour
• Job Type: Contract/Contract to Hire

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the design, development, and testing of advanced rocket propulsion systems. This role will focus on combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, and regenerative cooling systems.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in liquid rocket propulsion, thermal and structural analysis, and hardware development. You will work closely with engineering teams to develop reliable, high-performance propulsion components from initial design through testing and production.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, and other rocket propulsion components.
• Develop and optimize regenerative cooling systems for rocket engines and thrusters.
• Perform combustion performance, thermal, and structural analyses.
• Use NASA CEA or similar tools to evaluate engine performance and design options.
• Support combustion stability analysis and design improvements.
• Design propulsion components using high-temperature materials such as Inconel and other superalloys.
• Apply additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques to improve hardware design and production.
• Work with engineering teams and suppliers to review test results and improve designs.
• Create and review CAD models, technical drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Support hardware manufacturing, integration, and testing activities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in liquid rocket engine, thruster, or propulsion system development.
• Experience designing combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, and regenerative cooling systems.
• Knowledge of combustion performance, thermal analysis, and combustion stability.
• Experience using NASA CEA or similar propulsion analysis tools.
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials such as Inconel and Haynes alloys.
• Experience with additive manufacturing methods such as DMLS or SLM.
• Proficiency in CAD software and engineering drawings, including GD&T.
• Experience supporting aerospace hardware manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
• Ability to lead technical projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance