TCA & Thrusters Engineer

Cowboy Space Corporation

• $130K — $180K *
Kent, WA 98042In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • Strong command of first-principles thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics.
  • 5+ years in mechanical design for manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
  • Hands-on ownership of the rocket engine injector lifecycle.

Responsibilities

  • Own injector hardware end to end, from first-principles sizing through flight operation.
  • Perform physics-based architecture trades, leading to design & analysis of thrust chamber assembly piece parts.
  • Select manufacturing methods and lead the build, iterating on the design across the full lifecycle.
  • Plan and execute test campaigns, from component tests through full-engine hotfire.
  • Analyze hotfire data and lead component redesigns to meet mission requirements.
  • Partner with vehicle and test-stand engineers to ensure engine compatibility with operational needs.

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Paid time off and 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Relocation assistance if applicable.
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.
Full Job Description
About the Role:

We are looking for an Injector Design and Development Engineer to own rocket engine injectors end to end-design, analysis, development, and validation. These injectors power the engines behind our own rockets and satellites, and they need to go from concept to hotfire fast. You will pair first-principles analytical design with hands-on manufacturing and test to drive rapid design/build/test cycles. The ideal candidate blends sharp analytical instincts with a builder's mindset and a relentless focus on turning analysis into flight-ready hardware. This position is onsite in Kent, WA.

Responsibilities:
  • Own injector hardware end to end, from first-principles sizing through flight operation.
  • Perform physics-based architecture trades within a given engine cycle and required performance, leading to design & analysis of Thrust Chamber Assembly piece parts
  • Select manufacturing methods and lead the build, iterating on the design across the full lifecycle
  • Plan and execute test campaigns, from component tests through full-engine hotfire
  • Analyze hotfire data and lead component redesigns to meet mission requirements
  • Partner with vehicle and test-stand engineers to keep the engine compatible with operational needs


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • Strong command of first-principles thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics.
  • 5+ years in mechanical design for manufacturing and rapid prototyping
  • Hands-on ownership of the rocket engine injector lifecycle


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Multiple cradle-to-grave cycles owning rocket engine injectors and/or TCA components
  • Analysis experience with Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, and/or Thermal Desktop
  • Experience using first principles to perform fluid system sizing, injector performance optimization (c*), and mitigation combustion stability concerns
  • Design for additive manufacturing, machining, and weld/braze processes
  • Experience planning, running, and analyzing rocket engine hotfire tests
  • Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline


Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $180,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks


ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.


Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.

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