Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer

Location: Leander, TX (Onsite)

Compensation: $150,000 + Full Medical (100%), Dental (100%), Vision (100%)
ITAR Compliant Role – U.S. Persons Only

Mission of the Role

Design and deliver propulsion and aerodynamic systems that translate mission requirements into real, flight-ready hardware rapidly, intelligently, and with ownership from concept through test.

This role exists to bridge first-principles physics with field-ready execution in a high-velocity defense environment. The engineer in this seat will not operate in silos. They will recognize problems early, solve them completely, and train others to elevate the entire team.

This is a startup environment of approximately 20 professionals. Speed matters. Judgment matters more. The right leader will be comfortable building the plane mid-flight launching with conviction, then refining through iteration.

4–6 Performance Objectives (First 12–18 Months)

1. Translate Mission to Design
Convert high-level mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic system parameters that drive real engineering outcomes.

2. Deliver Rapid Engineering Analysis
Execute hand calculations, simplified analytical models, and CFD simulations to validate assumptions quickly balancing speed with rigor.

3. Own Solid Rocket Motor Design End-to-End
Design and evaluate solid propulsion systems including nozzle geometry, propellant grain optimization, burn rate behavior, pressure dynamics, and thermal/structural loads.

4. Optimize Flight Performance Across Regimes
Model and analyze aerodynamic behavior from subsonic to supersonic regimes, ensuring stable flight characteristics and validated drag/pressure relationships.

5. Integrate with Manufacturing & Test
Translate design intent into hardware, support ground and flight tests, diagnose anomalies, and iterate rapidly based on performance data.

6. Build the System, Then Elevate the Team
Establish repeatable analysis workflows, automate simulations through code, and train team members to increase engineering velocity and quality.

What Success Looks Like

• Engineering decisions are made quickly and supported by analysis.
  

• Propulsion systems meet thrust, burn, and stability targets with minimal redesign cycles.
  

• CFD and first-order calculations align with test data.
  

• Cross-functional teams move faster because analysis and communication are clear.
  

• The engineering process improves not just the product.
  

Core Technical Capabilities

Engineering & Analysis

• Strong fundamentals in compressible flow, gas dynamics, heat transfer, and structural loading
  

• First-principles problem solving
  

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• Ability to move fluidly between hand calculations and high-fidelity simulation
  

CFD & Modeling

• CFD modeling (ANSYS Fluent preferred)
  

• Internal ballistics and pressure modeling
  

• Aerodynamic coefficient and drag analysis
  

• Center of pressure vs. center of gravity evaluation
  

Coding & Automation

• Python or MATLAB for analysis automation
  

• Simulation workflow development
  

• Performance modeling tools
  

CAD & Mechanical Design

• SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent
  

• Pressure vessel and high-temperature structural considerations
  

Propulsion Domain Experience

• Solid rocket motor design
  

• Nozzle geometry optimization
  

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• Propellant grain/core geometry development
  

• Burn rate dynamics and pressure coupling
  

• Ignition systems and materials selection
  

• Thermal and structural load evaluation
  

• Familiarity with solid propellant formulation (preferred)
  

Aerodynamics Domain Experience

• External aerodynamics of flight vehicles
  

• Missile or projectile design
  

• Flight mechanics and trajectory modeling
  

• Drag component analysis (base, form, friction, shock)
  

• Stability and flight envelope behavior
  

• Experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems (beneficial, not required)
  

Who Thrives Here

You may be an ideal fit if you:

• Solve physics problems from first principles before opening simulation software.
  

• Make decisions with incomplete information and refine through iteration.
  

• Move quickly without waiting for perfect clarity.
  

• Possess confidence rooted in competence not ego.
  

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• Take full ownership: you identify the problem, solve it, and train others.
  

• Prefer building real systems over writing theoretical papers.
  

• Are comfortable in ambiguity and energized by unconventional technology.
  

This is not a large corporate environment. This is a mission-driven startup of approximately 20 employees. The right engineer brings entrepreneurial energy bias for action, intellectual humility, and the ability to adjust after launch.

Confidence is essential. Arrogance is disqualifying.

Why This Role Matters

This position exists at the intersection of physics, mission, and speed. The systems built here will not sit on a shelf—they will operate in real-world environments where performance and reliability matter.

If you are the type of engineer who sees a problem before others recognize it, solves it completely, and elevates the team in the process—this mission may align with yours.

Requirements

Required Capabilities

• Must have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Reserves, or U.S. National Guard.
  
  

• 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor’s degree
  

  OR
  

  
  1–2 years of relevant experience with a Master’s or PhD
  

More experience is welcome. Strong fundamentals, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly matter most.

Benefits

• 100% Health Coverage (Employee)
  

• 90% Health Coverage (Family/Spouse)
  

• 100% Dental & Vision
  

• Competitive salary - $150,000 + equity
  

• Relocation package available