Chief Propulsion Engineer
The Chief Propulsion Engineer serves as the company's technical authority for all propulsion systems across programs. This individual defines propulsion strategy, leads propulsion architecture trades, oversees design and development activities, and mentors a growing propulsion engineering organization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with demonstrated experience transitioning propulsion technologies from concept through flight qualification and production. This role partners closely with Systems Engineering, Airframe, Guidance & Control, Manufacturing, Program Management, Business Development, and executive leadership to develop affordable, producible, high-performance propulsion solutions.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
- Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
- Develop solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket-ramjet propulsion concepts.
- Lead propulsion system performance analysis including internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management, structural loads, and propellant performance.
- Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
- Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
- Support system-level trade studies involving range, speed, maneuverability, cost, manufacturability, and producibility.
- Oversee propulsion supplier technical management and source selection.
- Interface with DoD customers, AFRL, DARPA, Navy, Air Force, Army, and prime contractors.
- Provide technical leadership during proposal development and customer presentations.
- Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.
- Support failure investigations and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with military standards and qualification requirements.
- Work with manufacturing to transition designs into production.
Required Qualifications (Education, Certifications, Experience):
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Master's degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
- 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience.
- Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
- Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air-breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
- Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Integrated rocket-ramjet experience.
- Hypersonic weapon development.
- Insensitive munitions requirements.
- Energetic materials expertise.
- DoD acquisition program experience.
- Technical publications or patents.
Direct technical experience in the following areas:
- Rocket motor sizing and optimization.
- Thermal protection systems.
- High-temperature materials.
- Mission performance analysis.
Additional Information:
- This position will require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required depending on program needs.
- Occasional domestic travel may be required to support testing, supplier visits, and customer meetings.
