Propulsion Systems Engineer 1

Date: Sep 17, 2026

Location: Decatur, AL, US, 35601

Company: United Launch Alliance

Requisition ID: 2106

Location: ULA - Decatur 

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available 

Travel Requirements: None/Infrequent 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

United Launch Alliance is seeking a Launch Vehicle Propulsion Engineer to perform dual roles working with both the Design and Analysis teams. This engineering function provides engineering design and analysis, systems integration, subcontract management, product technical support, and anomaly resolution for the Propulsion fluids systems (cryogenic, non-cryogenic, hydraulics and pneumatics). Engineers in this role will provide critical support to the final integration and assembly of space launch vehicles and their propulsion systems.

• Support recurring propulsion engineering design/analysis and vehicle production activities
• Ensure all design and manufacturing processes satisfy overall launch vehicle and sub-system requirements
• Perform system integration and system level trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility and performance
• Generate engineering drawings or changes as well as assembly and testing requirements
• Resolve testing and production anomalies to identify root cause that leads to effective resolution and corrective actions that prevent recurrence
• Support Production processing and nonconformance resolution
• Develop design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve performance and/or reliability.
• Review the as-built product (hardware and associated software) and product test data to certify that the final product configuration and performance meets requirements and is ready for test and/or flight
• Perform strength, fatigue and fracture analysis of propulsion and structural components, including non-linear analysis for the propulsion fluids systems
• Create analysis models, perform hand calculations and have an understanding of analysis best practices to provide strength inputs and recommendations for new designs and installations.  
• Candidate will be required to review and approve 3-D engineering layouts, 3-D models, designs / drawings and 2-D drawing changes for a variety of propulsion, fluid system and mechanical system components
• Candidate will make engineering design recommendations with consideration of thermal, mechanical and pressure loading using appropriate material properties, configurations, safety factors, etc. 
• Analysis results will be documented in strength reports. 
• Candidate will support internal peer reviews, table top reviews and formal design reviews as needed.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

None required

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related STEM field from an accredited college or university
• Familiarity with aerospace mechanical design capability as well as understanding dynamic, structural, and fluids analysis concepts
• Ability to identify key barriers/core problems and apply problem solving skills
• Familiarity with schedule development and management
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Experience working with cross-functional teams
• Microsoft Office Applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Project, Visio)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience/familiarity with preferred 3D-modeling and analysis software shown below

• • NASTRAN (Static, Modal, Dynamic and Non-Linear Analysis Solutions) 
  • FEMAP pre/post processor 
  • NX CAD/Simulation 
  • NASGRO fracture mechanics tool 
  • Unix/Linux mainframe based analysis tools 
  • MathCad 
  • ABAQUS 
  • Matlab 
  • Teamcenter

• Experience with dispositioning hardware and system nonconformances (EMRB)
• Familiarity with common production/machining processes and procedures

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR).This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster ( English / Spanish ) and Right to Work Poster ( English / Spanish ).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.

Nearest Major Market: Decatur

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ULA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

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