Senior Propulsion Engineer

About the role

Voyager wants you to be a critical contributor in the Mojave office to advance the development of propulsion systems for Voyager’s sub-orbital VTVL vehicles. You will be responsible for working directly on all aspects of the propulsion systems, from initial component and system sizing through design, analysis, fabrication, and test. You will regularly report to the Propulsion Lead on progress, as part of a joint propulsion team collaborating with the Pittsburgh office.

Responsibilities

• Support the engineering team in the design and test of rocket propulsion systems using cryogenic propellants
• Size components of propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, turbomachinery, tanks, and pressurization systems
• Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology
• Build and run propulsion system fluid-thermal models to predict component and system behavior
• Perform trade studies to guide design and operational decisions
• Lead the creation of hardware drawings to support manufacturing
• Create component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Develop test plans, execute tests, and post-process results for component and system testing
• Contribute to and participate in technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities
• Perform risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Write and present technical reports

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 6+ years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development
• Experience with cryogenic propellants (liquid methane and liquid oxygen preferred)
• Experience in designing and analyzing high-pressure fluid and/or pneumatic systems
• Proven capability to develop conceptual designs, perform trade studies, and down select to a design baseline

Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with a variety of cryogenic propulsion systems and various engine cycles
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Proficient in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (GFSSP, RTE, RPA) and for system level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
• Familiar with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and requirements
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDRE’s
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, Fortran)
• Hands-on fabrication skills and a willingness to be hands-on with pathfinder hardware
• Rocket fuel handling equipment and operations, including safety requirements
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and/or qualification testing
• Experience with hypergolic liquid bipropellant engine systems, test facility design, assembly, and operation

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment

Applicants must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.