Rocket Propulsion & Structural Engineer IV

Description

Opto-Knowledge Systems is seeking a highly skilled Rocket Propulsion & Structural Engineer IV to lead all propulsion and structural engineering activities on the LCI program — a two-stage all-solid interceptor in active development. This role carries end-to-end technical ownership across SRM selection, E-TVC design, composite case and liner trades, and structural integrity from canister egress through burnout.

Working within a lean, high-performing engineering team, you will evaluate motor candidates from NGC, X-Bow, and Anduril, drive the down-select decision, and deliver the propulsion and structural packages at each major program review. Your analysis shapes the vehicle directly — influencing design decisions, cost-per-kill performance, and qualification strategy. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who wants broad technical ownership and clear visibility into program outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Ingest vendor thrust curves from NGC, X-Bow, and Anduril; run propulsion trades (Isp, mass fraction, dual-pulse timing, ?v closure) and recommend the Stage-1/Stage-2 motor down-select through PDR
• Size the electric thrust-vector control system for canister egress and rapid pitchover, defining angular range, slew-rate, and actuator load requirements and coordinating nozzle/actuator integration ICDs with the motor vendor
• Perform FEA (NASTRAN or ANSYS) and classical hand calculations across all major structural interfaces — canister launch loads, staging transients, fairing jettison, and aero-heating environments — and maintain structural margins-of-safety documentation for PDR and CDR
• Evaluate composite case and liner material selections; conduct mass/thermal trade studies to support the weight budget and cost-per-kill objective
• Bound thermal, vibration, shock, and EMI/EMC environmental margins per MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-1576, and support preliminary qualification matrix development for T7
• Serve as OKSI's primary technical interface with SRM vendors, managing technical data exchange, acceptance test procedure development, and ICD compliance through all program reviews
• Prepare propulsion and structural sections of SRR (M3), PDR (M9), and CDR (M16) review packages; author propulsion trade study and E-TVC preliminary design reports as government deliverables
• Own the LCI mass properties model throughout D2P2, maintaining and updating the mass budget at each review milestone in coordination with the Chief SE
  
  

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with emphasis in propulsion or structures
• 7-9 years of experience in solid rocket motor systems, missile structures, or related defense propulsion programs
• Solid expertise in SRM performance analysis — thrust curves, burn rate, Isp, staging transients, and ?v budget closure
• Hands-on experience with electric or hydraulic TVC system design and actuator sizing for missile canister egress applications
• Proficiency in structural analysis tools (NASTRAN, ANSYS, or equivalent) and classical hand-calc methods for aerostructures and propulsion case analysis
• Experience with composite case design, liner/propellant compatibility, and mass-properties management for missile systems
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1576, and STANAG 4297 environmental and structural qualification standards
• Experience supporting DoD weapon system acquisition reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) with propulsion and structural technical packages
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Working knowledge of ITAR regulations and SECRET-level propulsion data handling requirements
• Ability to interface technically with SRM vendors (NGC, X-Bow, Anduril) and government program offices
• Experience leading engineering projects from concept through CDR — prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and meeting milestones
• TS/SCI eligibility
  
  

Pay And Benefits

• Salary range: $138,106 - $186,849
• Medical, dental, and vision employee coverage fully paid by the employer
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages, no matching required
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
  
  

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. person as defined by law. A U.S. person includes a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.

1324b(a)(3), or an individual otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

This employer participates in E Verify.