Lead Propulsion Engineer

$90,000 - $140,000

Full time: On-site

Brunswick, ME

My client is an American, employee-owned launch company based in Brunswick, Maine. They are a start-up specializing in developing cutting edge space propulsion technologies for the smallsat & cubesat markets.

They have been going from strength to strength and have significant backing from government customers alongside private investors.

Job Summary:

My client is seeking an engineer with proven experience in design, build, and test of hybrid or liquid rockets.

As a Lead Propulsion Engineer, you will be responsible for spearheading the development and optimization of our innovative hybrid rocket propulsion systems. Your day-to-day tasks will involve detailed design and simulation, coordination of build and assembly processes, and hands-on testing and validation of rocket engines and components. You'll work closely with interdisciplinary teams to integrate propulsion systems with vehicle architectures, focusing on enhancing performance, safety, and reliability. Additionally, you will oversee the troubleshooting and resolution of engineering issues, provide technical leadership during launch campaigns, and contribute to continuous improvement of the propulsion system.

Skills and Qualifications:

Education: Minimum of a BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent engineering field

Required Technical Skills / Experience:

• Proficiency in thermal management systems for aerospace applications, including heat transfer analysis and cooling system design.
• Expertise in the use of MATLAB / Simulink (or similar software) for simulation, data analysis, and algorithm development specific to aerospace applications.
• Experience with structural analysis software for stress and vibration assessment.
• Skilled in CAD, drafting, interpreting, and implementing technical specifications and regulatory compliance guidelines for aerospace systems.
• Proficiency in propulsion system testing methodologies, including both static and dynamic testing environments.
• Materials selection for high-stress and high-temperature propulsion applications.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, including familiarity with CNC machining, additive manufacturing, composites.
• Demonstrated capability in leading R&D projects from conception through testing, including setting milestones, budgeting, and cross-functional team management.
• Have designed, built, and tested fluid or hybrid rocket propulsion systems.
• Extensive experience in the design and analysis of fluid dynamics as it pertains to rocket propulsion systems.
• Ability to lead projects that involve the integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components.

Ideal Skills / Experience:

• Have played a critical role in the design, build, test and/or launch of commercial rockets.
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
• Familiar with National Instruments LabView (or similar) hardware and software for control and data acquisition
• Ideal candidate will be familiar with Siemens NX, ANSYS, Matlab, Labview

Compensation and Benefits:

• $90,000 - $140,000 (Depending on experience)
• Stock options
• Starting with 3 weeks of PTO, but increasing over time
• 8 paid holidays
• Health coverage includes 75% of the cost through the Maine Health Portal.