Staff Propulsion Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Staff Propulsion Engineer based in United States.

This role offers the opportunity to lead the design, analysis, testing, and integration of advanced propulsion systems for complex aerospace and defense applications. You will serve as a technical authority, driving critical engineering decisions across development, verification, and qualification activities. The position combines deep propulsion expertise with cross-functional leadership, supplier collaboration, and system-level problem solving. You will work on innovative technologies that support next-generation mission capabilities while operating in a highly technical environment. The role requires strong analytical skills, engineering judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. As a senior contributor, you will influence program success through technical leadership, risk reduction, and execution excellence.

Accountabilities:: The Staff Propulsion Engineer will provide technical leadership for advanced propulsion system development, supporting analysis, design, testing, supplier coordination, and program execution. This role requires ownership of complex engineering challenges and collaboration across internal teams, customers, and external partners.

Lead system- and component-level analysis, design, and testing of complex fluid-thermal propulsion systems for missile applications during technology maturation and risk reduction phases.

Apply advanced engineering principles, industry standards, and customer requirements to develop liquid and other propulsion solutions, including materials, structural components, and control systems.

Define and oversee propulsion test activities, including test planning, procedures, success criteria, execution support, and technical evaluation.

Provide technical leadership and oversight to suppliers by reviewing engineering analyses, drawings, procedures, and test results while coordinating with program and supply chain teams.

Develop and maintain propulsion performance, fluid, thermal, and structural models using engineering analysis tools to support design decisions and risk mitigation.

Lead verification and qualification planning activities by defining methods, coordinating testing and analysis, and preparing technical documentation.

Support propulsion system integration activities, including hardware procurement, configuration management, interface coordination, and issue resolution.

Provide technical guidance for flight and ground operations by reviewing procedures, engineering instructions, and operational requirements.

Act as a key technical representative for propulsion systems, presenting recommendations and insights to leadership, customers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Identify technical risks and opportunities, develop mitigation strategies, and guide advanced propulsion concepts from early development through implementation.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate brings extensive propulsion engineering experience, strong technical leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex aerospace development efforts. A combination of advanced engineering knowledge, analytical expertise, and collaborative communication skills is essential.

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with relevant coursework in fluid mechanics, compressible flow, and propulsion thermodynamics.

Minimum of 12 years of relevant engineering experience in propulsion systems, aerospace development, or related technical fields.

U.S. citizenship required.

Active Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope, with a recent investigation history.

Ability to obtain and maintain higher-level security clearances and program access approvals as required.

Experience with propulsion system or subsystem design, fluid/thermal analysis, mechanical analysis, engineering standards, and technical documentation.

Proficiency with MATLAB or similar engineering tools for propulsion modeling, analysis, and technical data evaluation.

Strong problem-solving, leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Experience leading technical projects, managing suppliers, and coordinating across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred qualifications include:

Active Top Secret clearance.

Direct experience designing and analyzing liquid propulsion or complex fluid systems.

Experience supporting pressure testing, hot-fire testing, or engine test campaigns.

Background leading propulsion verification and qualification programs.

Experience with supplier technical management, hardware procurement, and issue resolution.

Strong experience in propulsion system integration, requirements management, and advanced engineering development.

Benefits:

Competitive salary range of approximately $161,000 – $241,400 annually, based on experience, skills, education, and market conditions.

Potential eligibility for additional compensation programs, including bonuses depending on role and performance.

Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Life and disability insurance programs.

Retirement savings plan.

Paid holidays and paid time off.

Potential relocation assistance.

Opportunity to work on advanced aerospace and defense technologies with significant mission impact.

Collaborative environment with opportunities for technical growth and leadership development.

Supportive workplace focused on innovation, engineering excellence, and solving complex challenges.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1