Senior Project Engineer- Propulsion

The Aerospace Corporation - Houston, TX

Full-time - Senior

Houston, TX

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Project Engineer - Propulsion Engineering at The Aerospace Corporation plays a crucial role in supporting the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions. This position involves collaboration with NASA and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority space missions, focusing on propulsion system development, testing, and operations. The role requires a strong background in engineering, particularly in propulsion systems, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of advanced spacecraft propulsion systems for national space missions.
• Participate in the overall design, development, test and evaluation of propulsion systems, propellant tanking and delivery subsystems.
• Develop program requirements, risks, and hazards; evaluate inspection, analysis, and test products to support verification or risk/hazard reduction.
• Participate in and/or lead technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, and Critical Design Reviews.
• Plan, coordinate, manage, evaluate, and report upon analyses, studies, and tests of components and systems.
• Resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issues related to propulsion systems development.
• Perform technical evaluation of chemical propulsion systems used for spacecraft programs.
• Review contractor products and NASA defined requirements to verify compliance and efficiency of propulsion systems.
• Provide real-time support during test, launch, and operations of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Act as propulsion system liaison for flight Anomaly Resolution and In-Flight Investigation reviews.
• Maintain awareness of NASA propulsion activities by participating in technical, safety, and integration working groups and meetings.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices and NASA.
• Develop technical and progress reports covering assigned tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required.
• At least 10 years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is required.
• Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical propulsion systems and propellant tank/delivery subsystems.
• Experience with design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements for pressure fed in space bi-prop NTO/MMH engines.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and integrate solutions across engineering disciplines and diverse teams.
• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met.
• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate propulsion and propellant systems.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is highly desired.
• 14+ years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment is strongly preferred.
• Completed coursework in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design.
• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of space system engineering practices and standards.
• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines.
• Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling.
• Experience in structural analysis capable of verifying compliance with requirements for stress factors of safety, fatigue, etc.
• Familiarity working with international partners and human space flight.
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA and/or DoD program life cycle.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan with company-paid benefits and matching contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect