5+ years of experience in rocket propulsion systems and weapons development
Strong expertise in solid rocket motor design and propulsion systems
Hands-on experience with solid rocket motor testing and performance evaluation
Experience in tactical missile development or related defense propulsion programs
Active Secret security clearance or higher
Engineering management or technical leadership experience
Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, science, mathematics, or related discipline
Responsibilities
Provide technical oversight of solid rocket motor design and testing
Develop and review test plans, evaluating results for compliance
Lead or coordinate technical teams and review contractor deliverables
Advise program leadership on technical risks and acquisition strategies
Monitor contract performance and program progress, identifying issues
Prepare technical briefings and documentation for government stakeholders
Coordinate with government program teams and contractors
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-sponsored life insurance and disability protection
401(k) with company matching contributions up to 5%
Generous paid time off and paid holidays
Commuter benefits for Arlington worksite
Opportunities for leadership and technical contributions
Annual and performance bonuses, with potential relocation assistance
Full Job Description
Missile Propulsion Engineer | Solid Rocket Motors & Defense Systems
Location: Arlington, Virginia Salary: $170,000-$230,000 per year
Advance the development and evaluation of solid rocket propulsion systems for tactical missile programs. In this role, you'll bring technical expertise and engineering leadership to propulsion design, testing, and performance validation while helping guide complex defense programs from technical objectives to program execution.
What You'll Get
Strong benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus company-sponsored life insurance and short- and long-term disability protection.
Retirement savings: A 401(k) with company matching contributions up to 5% of salary.
Time off: Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
Commuter benefits: Support for commuting to the Arlington worksite.
Leadership opportunity: Contribute technical recommendations, guide engineering teams, and support important program decisions.
Additional compensation: Annual and performance bonuses. Relocation assistance may be available.
What You'll Do
Provide technical oversight of solid rocket motor design, integration, testing, and performance validation.
Develop and review test plans, evaluate results, and assess compliance with propulsion performance requirements.
Lead or coordinate technical teams and review contractor deliverables.
Advise program leadership on technical risks, acquisition strategies, and program execution.
Monitor contract performance and program progress, identifying issues and communicating findings.
Prepare technical briefings, program plans, and documentation for government stakeholders.
Coordinate with government program teams, contractors, and federal agencies.
What You'll Need
At least 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion systems and weapons development.
Strong technical expertise in solid rocket motor design and propulsion systems.
Hands-on experience with solid rocket motor testing, performance evaluation, and validation.
Experience supporting tactical missile development or related defense propulsion programs.
An active Secret security clearance or higher.
Engineering management, technical leadership, or experience leading propulsion engineering teams.
A bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related discipline.
Strong technical communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work on-site in Arlington, Virginia, and travel domestically approximately 30% of the time.
Preferred: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or access; a master's or doctoral degree; experience with DARPA-funded programs and technical program execution.
