Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer

The Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, development, testing, and production support of solid rocket propulsion systems and related hardware across the product lifecycle.

The position reports to the Engineering Manager and is part of the Engineering Department. This role is onsite based in Reno, Folsom, Long Beach, Huntsville, or Remote. Relocation assistance may be provided to qualified candidates.

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Design, analyze, and develop solid rocket motor and propulsion system components, subsystems, and integrated hardware from concept through qualification and production.
• Perform engineering analyses related to motor performance, internal ballistics, combustion, thermal environments, structural integrity, insulation, nozzles, grains, cases, and other propulsion hardware as applicable.
• Develop and execute engineering requirements, analyses, drawings, specifications, test plans, procedures, and technical reports.
• Support propulsion development and qualification testing, including test planning, instrumentation requirements, data review, anomaly investigation, and root-cause/corrective-action activities.
• Work cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, test, systems, program management, and suppliers to mature designs and resolve technical issues.
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, failure investigations, and configuration changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Apply engineering judgment and technical rigor to balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, cost, schedule, and safety requirements.
• Depending on experience level, independently lead technical work packages or provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field with 4–15 years of relevant propulsion, aerospace, defense, or closely related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field with 2–13 years of relevant experience; OR additional relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in the design, analysis, development, testing, or production support of solid rocket motors, solid propulsion systems, energetic systems, or closely related aerospace hardware.
• Working knowledge of one or more solid propulsion engineering disciplines, including internal ballistics, combustion, thermodynamics, heat transfer, structural analysis, nozzle design, grain design, insulation, case design, or propulsion performance analysis.
• Experience using engineering analysis methods and tools to solve complex technical problems and evaluate design performance.
• Experience supporting component, subsystem, or system-level testing and using test data to evaluate performance, investigate anomalies, and inform design decisions.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly through engineering documentation, technical presentations, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Depending on experience level, demonstrated ability to independently lead technical projects, work packages, or complex engineering efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with solid rocket motor development, qualification, acceptance testing, or production in an aerospace or defense environment.
• Experience with relevant industry, military, safety, quality, or manufacturing standards and requirements applicable to propulsion or energetic systems.

Travel, Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel up to 10%, including occasional overnight travel, as required to support testing, suppliers, customers, or program needs.
• This position may require compliance with U.S. Government export regulations. Applicants must meet applicable eligibility requirements.