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Propulsion Engineer II
Career Insights for Aerospace Engineer
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Scorecard
Based on Maryland data
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What they do
An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using knowledge of engineering and physics, and tests prototypes to see if they work according to design. May specialize in aeronautical design and work with airplanes and helicopters, or specialize in astronautical design and work with vehicles used in outer space. May specialize in a particular area of design, such as aerodynamic flow or navigation.
$118,011 / year median in Maryland
+4% projected growth
Job Description
- Propulsion to contribute to the development of advanced propellant tanks, pumps, and next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems supporting Ranger missions.
- You'll Make an Impact
- Contribute to the design, development, and qualification of propellant tanks, pumps, and advanced spacecraft propulsion systems
- Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, integration, and flight support activities
- Perform propulsion system trade studies and technical evaluations supporting spacecraft architecture decisions
- Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation supporting propulsion hardware development
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver propulsion hardware on schedule while meeting technical and program objectives
- Support subsystem integration, environmental testing, launch campaign activities, and mission readiness
- Investigate propulsion hardware anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
- Contribute to the development of propulsion engineering standards, best practices, and continuous process improvements
- Support technical reviews including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Flight Readiness Review (FRR)
- Operate within a fast-paced development environment focused on rapid execution, technical excellence, and mission success
- What It Takes
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 3+ years of experience developing propulsion systems, fluid systems, or related aerospace hardware
- Experience designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and integrating propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical work from concept through implementation while collaborating effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment
- Nice-to-Have Experience
- Experience leading significant engineering tasks supporting the development of propellant tanks, pumps, or spacecraft propulsion systems
- Experience performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Experience performing performance analysis of pump-fed spacecraft propulsion systems
- Experience designing, analyzing, or testing propellant management devices (PMDs)
- Experience with laser welding, friction stir welding, or other advanced aerospace manufacturing processes
- Experience machining aerospace-grade components using CNC equipment
- Experience testing propulsion systems utilizing propellants such as hydrazine and MON-3
- Experience designing gear pumps, pump motors, or other spacecraft fluid system components
- Experience supporting fast-paced aerospace, defense, or commercial space programs
- Experience utilizing AI-enabled engineering, modeling, or design optimization tools
- What You'll Get
- Ownership
- Take responsibility for mission-critical propulsion hardware and systems from concept through flight
- Innovation
- Help develop advanced propulsion technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility and maneuverability
- Impact
- Deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions
- Growth
- Join a multidisciplinary engineering team w you'll contribute across propulsion development, integration, testing, and mission execution
- Compensation
- Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation
Base Salary:
$110,000- 160,000 The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors.
- Additional Requirements To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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