Lead Propulsion Engineer

The Role

You will own propulsion for our first two interceptor platforms. This includes: the solid rocket motor that gets it to the target, and the divert and attitude control system (DACS) that lets it maneuver for the intercept. You’ll lead a team of >6 propulsion engineers. You’ll report to the CTO.

Both systems have to deliver high performance from a small, lightweight package while surviving launch, storage, and flight environments, and they have to fit the size limits of existing launchers. The DACS also has to respond quickly and precisely enough for terminal guidance. You’ll work directly with the founders and with the GNC, mechanical, aerodynamics, and avionics engineers, and you’ll take propulsion hardware from concept through static fire to flight.

What You’ll Do

Lead the propulsion team

• Lead, mentor, and grow the propulsion team, including hiring, setting priorities, and reviewing designs.
• Set the team’s engineering standards for analysis, design reviews, test procedures, and documentation.
• Own the propulsion schedule and technical risks, and give clear tradeoffs to the founders and other teams.

Own the propulsion architecture

• Define the propulsion architecture for the interceptor, including how the motor and DACS work together and divide the mission.
• Work with GNC and aerodynamics to set propulsion requirements, including total impulse, thrust profiles, ΔV budgets, control authority, and response time.
• Lead make-vs-buy decisions for propellants, motors, thrusters, and other components, and manage key propulsion suppliers.

Develop the solid rocket motor

• Guide the Senior Propulsion Engineer’s motor development, including grain, case, nozzle, and igniter design.
• Review internal ballistics and performance predictions, and make sure test data validates them.

Develop the DACS

• Lead the DACS architecture trade, comparing options such as [solid gas generator, cold gas, or liquid systems].
• Develop the thrusters, valves, and pressure systems, with the response time and repeatability GNC needs.
• Work with GNC on thrust models, firing logic, and impulse timing for the 6DOF simulation and flight software.

Test and keep it safe

• Plan and lead propulsion test campaigns, including static fires, DACS hot-fire tests, and environmental tests.
• Own the propulsion test safety program, including procedures for handling, storing, and testing energetic materials, and relationships with test ranges and facilities.
• Lead propulsion through qualification and flight test, including pre-flight predictions and post-flight analysis.

Integrate with the vehicle

• Work with mechanical on motor cases, DACS packaging, mounting, and structural loads.
• Work with avionics on ignition and valve control electronics, safe-and-arm devices, and safety interlocks.
• Work with aerodynamics on plume effects and thruster interaction with the airflow.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related field. M.S. preferred.
• 8+ years of propulsion development experience, including hardware that reached static fire or flight.
• Experience leading engineers or owning a major propulsion system from design through test.
• Hands-on solid rocket motor development experience.
• Experience with, or strong working knowledge of, fast-response thruster systems such as DACS or reaction control systems.
• Strong grasp of internal ballistics, combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and pressure system design.
• Experience running propulsion test campaigns and safety programs for energetic materials.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). [Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance.]

Nice to Haves

• Propulsion experience on tactical missiles, interceptors, or kill vehicles.
• Hands-on DACS or gas generator development experience.
• Experience with fast-acting valves and high-pressure systems.
• Experience with motor qualification, environmental testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810), or insensitive munitions testing.
• Experience working with GNC on thrust models and control allocation.
• Prior early-stage startup experience.

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $180,000 – $240,000 per year.