Rocket Booster SME

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise review of the design, development, and integration of solid and liquid rocket motor systems.
• Evaluate state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to meet mission-specific performance, efficiency, and safety requirements.
• Evaluate feasibility of booster system sizing, thrust optimization, and propellant selection for diverse mission profiles.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of rocket motor performance, including thrust-to-weight ratio, ISP (specific impulse), and engine durability under simulated operating conditions.
• Analyze and mitigate performance issues arising from environmental factors such as thermal stresses, vibration loads, and structural dynamics.
• Lead and oversee propulsion system testing campaigns, including static fire testing and integrated stage evaluations.
• Observe and evaluate test plan execution and procedures covering environmental exposure (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, and acoustics), material compatibility, and ignition system performance.
• Evaluate new test data for alignment with anticipated propulsion models and resolve anomalies.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with both solid and liquid rocket motors, including thermal stability, ignition system reliability, material degradation, and safety hazards.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including guidance navigation & control (GNC) engineers, materials scientists, structural analysts, and software engineers to ensure seamless propulsion system integration.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including requirements specifications, design analyses, test reports, and technical presentations.
• Present findings and progress metrics to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating alignment with program objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of propulsion engineering principles, with hands-on experience in the design and analysis of solid rocket motors and liquid propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with propellant chemistry, manufacturing techniques, and propulsion subsystems, including igniters, nozzles, and insulation.
• Expertise in analyzing stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics for rocket motor optimization.
• Experience with safety, handling, and storage protocols for solid rocket propellants and cryogenic liquids.
• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 19+ years of experience in propulsion systems design, development, integration, and testing.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in analyzing and optimizing both solid and liquid propulsion technologies.
• Active Secret Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is required.