Senior Propulsion Engineer

SACI-26-00035381

place Dayton, OH 45475, USA settings Technical work_outline Full-Time security TS/SCI attach_money 156,000 - 191,000 schedule Posted August 3, 2026 Job Description Strategic ACI is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles. The selected candidate will be responsible for addressing customer inquiries related to propulsion systems, including liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to formally respond to these inquiries through technical reports based on professional experience, background research, professional propulsion databases, rudimentary design analyses, and other technical resources. The candidate must be able to work autonomously with minimal guidance. On occasion, the candidate will also be expected to contribute to collaborative technical reporting for our customers.

Required:

Willing to relocate to Dayton, Ohio. TS/SCI Eligibility. Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university. 5+ years of demonstrable experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems or fluid mechanical systems. Formal education or training in the following propulsion-related topics: Thermodynamics, with an emphasis on thermal and chemical equilibrium Stoichiometry Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) compressible flow Basic rocket nozzle design theory Structural mechanics Classical mechanics Demonstrable proficiency in scientific computing for mechanical or aerospace engineering analyses using one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Python, MATLAB).

Desired:

Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, with an emphasis on chemical rocket propulsion. Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems, with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors. Professional experience utilizing propulsion databases maintained by JANNAF. Proven capability using engineering software to analyze the performance of chemical propellants (e.g., NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)). Professional experience applying the following propulsion and fluid mechanics topics: Fluid measurement instrumentation (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples) Combustion of liquid and solid propellants Performance analysis of chemical propellants For solid rocket motors: igniter design, propellant grain design, and structural analysis of propellant grains and rocket cases For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed systems, coolant systems, and identification and management of pressure losses Professional experience collaborating with other engineers to assess total vehicle performance with respect to each subsystem. About Us Strategic ACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of Strategic ACI not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal EEO is the Law poster. Why choose a career with Strategic ACI? Strategic ACI believes that our greatest asset is our employees. Our goal is not to meet our staff's expectations, but to exceed them. Competitive salaries, work-life balance, industry leading benefits packages, and family first values are at the core of Strategic ACI's culture. Where benefits meet your needs: Competitive salary 100% benefits paid (

Includes:

Health, Dental, and Vision premiums) for all full-time employees, and their families 401(k) with 5% match vested at day one PTO - 3 weeks and 3 days per year, increasing at 5 years service 11 Company Paid Holidays (aligned with Federal Government) Long term/Short term disability 1.5x salary Life Insurance $100 per month Cellular Device and IT Resource Benefit $6,000 Cash in Lieu of Benefits per year, if employee is insured elsewhere Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year for college or professional certifications Retirement Savings 401(k) Contribution - Annually calculated as percentage of salary