Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Amentum•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer supports the design, analysis, testing, integration, and operation of propulsion-system components and spacecraft pressure systems. The role applies principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine design, and contributes to technical assessments, hardware development, verification, and certification activities for NASA deep-space exploration programs. The engineer develops analyses, models, calculations, and data-processing tools; works with engineering drawings and three-dimensional CAD models; and helps select materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes. The position also involves hands-on propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, component- and system-level testing, review of test results and technical documentation, investigation of anomalies, and support for safety, cleanliness, contamination-control, and requirements-compliance activities. The role coordinates with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractors. It may include spacecraft or test-vehicle integration, mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, flight operations, and travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations. Work is generally in an office, but may involve indoor or outdoor work, including laboratory, test, integration, or operational environments. The advertised position may be considered at different levels depending on the candidate and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; the posting also states that the position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with experience in the field or a related area.
Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, collaborative teams.
Willingness to participate in analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
Ability and willingness to travel when required.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency may be required.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule is critical.
Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
Grooming and dress appropriate to the position and not creating a safety risk or hazard.
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds (5% of the time).

Nice To Haves

Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid-system components.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal-vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight-hardware certification.
Interest in human spaceflight, small-spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

Responsibilities

Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
Assist with selecting materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
Support preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
Prepare and present technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
Perform other duties as required.
Work outside the normal schedule and adjust schedules to meet peak periods and surge requirements.