Propulsion Engineer

Job Title: Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

The Propulsion Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and integration of spacecraft propulsion systems. This role involves defining requirements, coordinating with vendors, supporting system modeling, and driving verification through testing. The ideal candidate will have a strong experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion components, and system-level integration, with experience in both development and flight certification.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end technical execution of a bipropellant feed system from requirements through design, build, integration, test, and flight readiness.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert in propellant feed system design, acting as the technical authority on system architecture, pressure vessels (COPVs/tanks), flow control devices (valves, regulators), and instrumentation across the full development lifecycle.
• Act as the technical lead responsible for delivering performance, safety, cost, and schedule targets.
• Plan and delegate work across team members and cross-functional teams, lead daily standups, and escalate risks, issues, and blockers to ensure timely execution.
• Plan, schedule, prioritize and execute team scope and goals to meet critical milestones.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Lead and participate in design and gate reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and participate in trade studies, component selection, subassembly design and integration, analyses and tests, and vendor/supplier coordination.
• Utilize modeling, analysis, and simulation tools to estimate system performance and ensure compliance.
• Manage and interface with external vendors on cost, schedule, design, manufacturing, and verification activities.

Essential Skills

• 4 years of experience as a Propulsion Engineer.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or an Engineering-related field.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Solidworks.
• Analysis knowledge including ANSYS, Easy5, Fluent, GFSSP, TDK.
• Experience in design and analysis using TDK and GFSSP.
• Knowledge of spacecraft, new product development, engineering, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and propulsion equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with systems engineering and aerospace engineering.
• Familiarity with design, mechanical, and propulsion systems.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position requiring work five days a week with no hybrid option. The work is divided into 33% technical work on paper, 33% technical testing of components, and 33% collaboration with internal teams and external vendors. Candidates will have the opportunity to engage with experienced propulsion engineers and gain hands-on experience with the next-generation space station projects.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 3, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $60 - $65