Lead Propulsion Component Engineer

As a Lead Propulsion Component Engineer you will own the development of flight-critical propulsion components—including valves, actuators, and high-performance mechanical systems operating in extreme thermal and pressure environments. This is a player–coach role: you will directly design and deliver hardware while leading a small team of engineers. You will own components from clean-sheet design through test, qualification, and flight, and your hardware will move quickly from concept to real-world operation. 

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion components (e.g., high-pressure valves, actuation systems, and fluid control hardware) from concept through flight qualification
• Design for extreme environments including high temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading
• Drive trade studies across performance, manufacturability, reliability, and testability
• Execute clean-sheet design, analysis, and integration of propulsion hardware
• Lead development through rapid build–test–iterate cycles
• Support and troubleshoot hardware during ground and flight test campaigns
• Lead and mentor a team of 2–5 engineers, setting technical direction and execution priorities
• Review designs, guide engineering decisions, and ensure high technical standards
• Act as the Responsible Engineer for critical flight hardware
• Work closely with propulsion, structures, and vehicle teams to integrate components into engine and vehicle systems
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and operational limits
• Drive transition from prototype to repeatable, production-ready hardware
• Develop assembly, test, and acceptance strategies for reliable delivery

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience developing mechanical or propulsion hardware
• Demonstrated experience owning hardware from concept through test or production
• Strong fundamentals in fluids, thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials
• Hands-on experience with design, build, and integration of mechanical systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with propulsion systems, high-pressure fluid systems, or aerospace mechanisms
• Experience designing components such as valves, actuators, turbomachinery-adjacent hardware, or fluid control systems
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials and sealing strategies
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assemblies
• Experience with rapid development environments (startup or flight hardware programs)
• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred) and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar)
• Experience supporting hardware through test campaigns and resolving real-world failures 

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work hands-on in build, integration, and test environments
• Ability to support extended hours during critical test and flight operations
• Willingness to travel to test sites as needed
• Must be eligible to access export-controlled information