Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering, or a related field
2+ years of experience with propulsion hardware or high-pressure systems
Understanding of rocket propulsion fundamentals including internal ballistics, combustion, and heat transfer
Proficient in CAD for parts, assemblies, and drawings
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, or test operations
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for analysis
U.S. Person status required (ITAR) and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Responsibilities
Design motor hardware components like nozzles and igniters
Create CAD models and fabrication-ready drawings
Conduct internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses
Prepare and execute static fires and pressure tests
Design and build test fixtures and instrumentation
Configure data acquisition systems and analyze test data
Source parts from vendors and inspect incoming hardware
Support motor integration and flight test data collection
Benefits
Frequent hands-on motor builds and static fires
Direct mentorship from a senior solid motor engineer
Ownership of real components and test campaigns early in your career
Collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines
Early equity in a seed-stage company
Opportunity to work on projects with direct national security impact
Full Job Description
Propulsion Engineer - Design, build, and fire solid rocket motors for interceptor platforms
El Segundo, California | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Help design, build, and test the solid rocket motor for two interceptor platforms. You will own motor components and test campaigns from design through static fire, reporting to the senior propulsion engineer, who will review your work and support your development.
You will collaborate closely with mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics engineers. At this stage, you will get far more hands-on time with real motors than you would at a large defense prime.
Job Duties
Design motor hardware such as nozzles, igniters, closures, insulation, and case components with guidance from the senior propulsion engineer
Create CAD models and fabrication-ready drawings
Run internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses to support design choices
Prepare and execute static fires, pressure tests, and temperature-conditioned tests
Design and build test fixtures, plumbing, and instrumentation including pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, and high-speed cameras
Configure data acquisition, reduce test data, and compare results to predictions
Source parts from vendors and machine shops and inspect incoming hardware
Follow and improve procedures for handling, storing, and testing energetic materials
Support test campaigns at external ranges and energetics facilities
Support motor integration with mechanical and avionics, plus flight test data collection and post-flight analysis
Present your work in design reviews
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering, or a related field
2+ years with propulsion hardware or high-pressure systems (student rocketry and similar teams count)
Working knowledge of rocket propulsion fundamentals including internal ballistics, combustion, and heat transfer
Solid CAD skills with parts, assemblies, and drawings
Hands-on test experience such as instrumentation, data acquisition, or test operations
Python or MATLAB proficiency for analysis
U.S. Person status required (ITAR) and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Preferred Experience
Solid rocket motor design, manufacturing, or static fire experience
NAR or Tripoli high-power rocketry certification
Familiarity with solid propellant chemistry or casting
High-speed DAQ, strain gauges, and high-speed imaging
Hands-on machining, plumbing, and fixture fabrication
Propulsion analysis tools such as CEA, internal ballistics codes, or CFD
Why Join Us
Frequent hands-on motor builds and static fires
Direct mentorship from a senior solid motor engineer
Ownership of real components and test campaigns early in your career
Work across every discipline on the vehicle
Early equity in a seed-stage company with a rapidly growing team
