What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Engineer position at Redwire?
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Summary
Redwire Space Missions LLC, has an exciting opportunity for a Propulsion Engineer (will consider all senior levels), responsible for the definition, integration, and technical oversight of spacecraft propulsion subsystems supporting maneuvering, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal across Space Missions programs. This role serves as the Responsible Engineer for propulsion, ensuring the selected propulsion solution meets mission requirements and integrates effectively with
spacecraft systems. You will lead propulsion architecture trades, definition of subsystem requirements, selection of propulsion suppliers, and support the technical integration of the propulsion subsystem into the spacecraft. This position is on-site and based at one of the following locations Littleton, CO, or Albuquerque, NM.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the Responsible Engineer for spacecraft propulsion subsystems across one or more spacecraft programs.
- Define propulsion subsystem requirements including thrust capability, delta-V budgets, propellant capacity, maneuver timelines, and mission lifetime margins.
- Perform system level trade studies, design optimization, and performance modeling, to evaluate propulsion technologies and supplier solutions aligned to mission needs.
- Lead propulsion supplier evaluation, selection, and technical oversight throughout the program lifecycle.
- Develop subsystem specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans for propulsion systems.
- Coordinate closely with Mission Analysis and GNC teams to ensure maneuver planning and propulsion capabilities are aligned.
- Ensure propulsion subsystem interfaces with spacecraft avionics, power systems, structures, thermal and software are properly defined and integrated.
- Develop propulsion test plans and support or execute hot fire, pressure, and environmental tests.
- Support propulsion subsystem integration, system-level testing, and anomaly resolution during integration and test campaigns.
- Contribute to hazard analyses, fault management strategies, and safety of operations processes.
- Participate in subsystem and system-level design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and test readiness reviews.
- Support technical interactions with propulsion suppliers including design reviews, performance assessments, and acceptance testing.
- Contribute to propulsion operations planning including maneuver execution strategies and propellant margin management.
Ideal Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with 6 years of experience.
- Experience serving as Responsible Engineer or similar role with technical ownership of spacecraft propulsion system architecture, development, and analysis.
- Experience developing propulsion subsystem requirements, specifications, and interface definitions.
- Familiarity with electric and chemical propulsion systems, their differences, and trade-offs.
- Experience performing ∆V budget development and propellant sizing.
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
- Must be able to travel up to 20%
Desired Skills
- Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
- Experience integrating propulsion subsystems on spacecraft missions in numerous orbital regimes.
- Expert understanding of electric propulsion systems (e.g., Hall-effect, ion), chemical propulsion systems (monopropellant, bipropellant), and dual-mode propulsion solutions.
- Experience performing mission maneuver analysis, delta-V budgeting, and propellant mass estimation.
- Experience with performance modeling (CEA-equilibrium for chemical, EP thruster curve fits), duty cycles, life models, thermal/structural margins, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies for autonomous operations.
- Experience using spacecraft industry modeling tools such as STK, GMAT, MATLAB, Python, Ansys Fluent, Monte Carlo mission simulations, or custom propulsion modeling environments.
- Experience supporting propulsion qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
- Familiarity with propulsion testing and aerospace safety practices
- Experience coordinating propulsion subsystem development with spacecraft GNC and mission operations teams
- Experience supporting propulsion supplier down select and procurement activities.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.