Solid Rocket Propulsion SME

Leidos Holding$139K — $251K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree with 13-15 years of experience, including 12+ years specifically in solid rocket propellants.
  • Secret security clearance (TS/SCI with polygraph preferred).
  • Valid US passport required.
  • Extensive knowledge of solid rocket propulsion components and systems.
  • Background in Organic Chemistry preferred, along with advanced educational credentials.

Responsibilities

  • Proficiently demonstrate expertise in solid propellant rocket motors including design and testing.
  • Conduct in-depth analyses of rocket propulsion components for ballistic missile systems.
  • Advise on materials and infrastructure related to missile proliferation and production.
  • Teach courses on solid propellant fundamentals and engine performance modeling.
  • Mentor junior colleagues within the propulsion team, fostering professional growth.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with a team of Subject Matter Experts.
  • Opportunity to work closely with government personnel at various levels.
  • Mentorship role to shape the next generation of propulsion experts.
  • Access to cutting-edge projects in launch vehicle and missile technology.
  • Engagement in a field critical to national security and defense.
Full Job Description
LEIDOS currently has an opening for a Senior Solid Rocket Propulsion SME working on-site at a customer location in Northern Virginia. This position is part of a team of Subject Matter Experts providing analytic expertise in the area of launch vehicle and missile analyses, satellite technology and C4ISR. The ideal candidate would have industrial experience the design, development, testing and deployment of solid propellant rocket motors.

Primary Responsibilities.
  • Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of solid propellant rocket motors. Must will work well in team environments and will be capable of operating independently with minimal supervision. Candidates will be expected to effectively interact with customer personnel at all levels within the customer organization on a daily basis.
  • Conduct analyses on solid propulsion components of ballistic missile systems to assess capabilities. Advise and support government customer's analyses on materials, equipment, and infrastructure associated with ballistic missile proliferation and production.
  • Must have the ability to teach courses on solid propellant rocket fundamentals, modeling, and manufacturing requirements. Familiarity with propellant formulations, modeling formulations, and modeling motor performance. Experience with solid propellant rocket engine manufacturing methods, tooling, procedures, and testing.
  • Must be willing to work with junior colleagues to mentor them.


Basic Qualifications.
  • The position requires a Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years of experience or a Master's Degree and 13+ years experience. At least 12+ years related to solid rocket propellants is required.
  • Must possess at least a Secret security clearance (higher preferred) and have the ability to be able to obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.
  • Must have a valid US passport.


Preferred Qualifications.
  • Knowledge of foreign solid propellant motor technology
  • Propellant experience with military systems
  • An advanced degree is preferred; background in Organic Chemistry a plus.
  • Preferred current TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.
  • 15-20 years of experience a plus.


#MSBA

Original Posting:
September 10, 2026

Pay Range:
Pay Range $139,100.00 - $251,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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