As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers.
You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.
As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers.
You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
- Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
- Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
- Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems
- Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
- Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
- Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
- Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)
- Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
- Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures
- Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
- Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
- Must be eligible to access export-controlled information
- Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
- Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
- Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
- Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
- Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
- Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
- Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
- Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
- Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
- Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
- Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
- Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery