Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I
About the Role
Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate. At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.
We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create.
This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
Position Summary
Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I who will lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and sub-systems. This role requires sound working knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to develop and analyze propulsion components. The ideal candidate for this role will also be able to support and interpret hot-fire test data to recommend design modification of sub-assemblies. Agile follows a fast-paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence as part their career progression. Critical skillsets being sought after are ability to work autonomously, prioritize competing tasks, and take initiative in a high-cadence environment.
Responsibilities
- Leads the design of propulsion components and sub-assemblies (e.g., injectors, combustion chambers, valve interfaces) with minimal supervision.
- Performs component and subsystem-level trade studies to balance performance, manufacturability, and cost.
- Supports test planning, execution, and data reduction for component-level test campaigns.
- Conducts independent root-cause investigation for design or test anomalies and proposes corrective actions.
- Develops and reviews engineering drawings and tolerance stacks for sub-assemblies; contributes to design review packages (e.g., PDR/CDR-level content) for assigned components.
- Supports planning for component-level work packages, contributing scope and schedule input for small initiatives.
- Provides design and technical guidance to junior engineer teammates.
- Develops manufacturing planning for propulsion sub-assemblies, ensuring designs are producible and testable.
- Support in preparation of formal presentations and reports for customer communication and gated product development reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
- Utilize SolidWorks CAD for design of components and/or assemblies.
Requirements
- B.S. or higher degree in related engineering or technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in propulsion design engineering.
- Working knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer as applied to propulsion hardware.
- Thrives in a fast-growing, high-cadence environment, taking full accountability for propulsion deliverables.
- Demonstrated experience independently designing components for liquid rocket engines or similar propulsion hardware.
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritize competing tasks, and take initiative in a high-cadence environment as well as work through some level of ambiguity on certain tasks.
- Proficient with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and basic analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, hand calculations).
- Demonstrated ability to mentor or guide junior engineers.
- Possess a mindset of developing hardware for a manufacturing production environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with monopropellant engines or regenerative or fuel-film cooling in bipropellant engines.
- Experience with rocket engine injector design.
- Exposure to additive manufacturing or other advanced manufacturing processes for propulsion hardware.
- Experience supporting hot-fire or component-level test campaigns.
- Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense).
Pay & Schedule
- Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time
- Work Schedule: Full-Time
- Salary: $116,000 – $145,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.
- Relocation Stipend available
Benefits
- Generous health coverage
- Dental and vision plans
- Flexible Time Off
- Parental leave
- 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%
- Stock option plan participation (all stock grants subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company's equity plan)