Propulsion Engineer

Job Title: Staff / Principal Propulsion Engineer (Deputy Lead)

Job Description

This role serves as a Deputy Lead Propulsion Engineer responsible for the design, integration, testing, operation, and maintenance of hypersonic aircraft rocket propulsion systems. You will contribute across the full lifecycle of propulsion flight and ground hardware, provide technical and leadership support to a growing propulsion team, and help drive the integration of complex aerospace systems. The position offers strong growth potential into broader technical leadership within a rapidly expanding organization.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, build, test, and operation of propulsion flight and ground hardware for hypersonic aircraft.
• Perform structural, fluid, and thermal analyses of mechanical components and assemblies to ensure performance, safety, and reliability.
• Develop and document test requirements, test plans, test procedures, and test reports for component-level and subsystem-level propulsion testing.
• Create detailed component and assembly drawings for flight and ground test hardware using Computer Aided Design tools.
• Assist mechanics and technicians in integrating propulsion components and assemblies onto the aircraft and ground systems.
• Test propulsion components and assemblies to prepare for integrated subsystem testing and flight operations.
• Develop engineering tools and methods, as needed, to support analysis, design, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain inventory tracking of critical propulsion components to support build and test schedules.
• Manage supplier relationships with key vendors, including coordination of deliveries, technical clarifications, and issue resolution.
• Provide technical ownership of clean rooms used for propulsion hardware preparation and integration.
• Manage the engineering release schedule in coordination with shop planning to align design outputs with manufacturing and test needs.
• Track the vehicle propulsion configuration and ensure configuration control of propulsion systems and components.
• Review and release engineering drawings, work instructions, analysis reports, and related technical documentation.
• Communicate regularly and comprehensively with the Propulsion Lead regarding status, issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems, coordinating propulsion interfaces with other subsystems.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and consistent fulfillment of commitments in all technical and leadership activities.

Essential Skills

• Knowledge of and experience in one or more of the following disciplines: fluid subsystem design, mechanical design, component or assembly level mechanical or fluid testing, structural engineering, rocket testing, cryogenic fluid systems, or electrical and instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience with fluid-mechanical component design and stress analysis.
• Experience with propulsion ground testing, including setup, execution, and data review.
• Experience with component-level or subsystem-level test planning and execution.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems, including root-cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Proficiency with 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools for parts and assemblies.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate technical challenges, rationale, and guidance clearly to varied audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to work proactively on your own initiative with minimal supervision.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic development and test environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, as required for the role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical leadership experience, including leading projects, technical teams, or major work packages.
• Personnel management experience, such as mentoring, performance feedback, or team coordination.
• Experience creating detailed engineering drawings and work instructions for manufacturing and integration.
• Experience with liquid oxygen systems and associated safety and handling practices.
• Liquid rocket engine testing experience at the component or system level.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Programming experience with Matlab or Python and familiarity with Simulink or Simscape.
• Familiarity with configuring data acquisition systems, such as Curtiss-Wright DAS Studio.
• Familiarity with configuration management or issue-tracking systems, such as Jira.
• Experience in propulsion systems, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or closely related fields.
• Experience developing and following test procedures for mechanical and propulsion systems.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in the Mojave region or surrounding areas, where regular in-person presence is required to support hands-on design, integration, and testing of propulsion systems. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing an extended weekend every other week. Some flexibility exists for intermittent work-from-home arrangements when compatible with program needs, but fully remote or long-distance weekly travel arrangements are not acceptable due to the hands-on nature of the work. You will work in a highly collaborative aerospace environment that includes laboratories, test facilities, clean rooms, and flight line operations, using modern CAD, data acquisition, and configuration management tools. The organization is rapidly growing, with multiple programs underway, offering a dynamic atmosphere, good benefits, and a supportive working environment focused on innovation, technical excellence, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $237000.00/yr.

9/80 schedule Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) Paid Maternity and Parental Leave 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500 Tuition reimbursement relocation

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mojave,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.