Injector Design and Development Engineer
About The Position
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. About the Role: We are looking for an Injector Design and Development Engineer to own rocket engine injectors end to end—design, analysis, development, and validation. These injectors power the engines behind our own rockets and satellites, and they need to go from concept to hotfire fast. You will pair first-principles analytical design with hands-on manufacturing and test to drive rapid design/build/test cycles. The ideal candidate blends sharp analytical instincts with a builder’s mindset and a relentless focus on turning analysis into flight-ready hardware. This position is onsite in the greater Seattle, WA area.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
- Strong command of first-principles thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics.
- 5+ years in mechanical design for manufacturing and rapid prototyping
- Hands-on ownership of the rocket engine injector lifecycle
Nice To Haves
- Multiple cradle-to-grave cycles owning rocket engine injectors and/or TCA components
- Analysis experience with Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, and/or Thermal Desktop
- Experience using first principles to perform fluid system sizing, injector performance optimization (c), and mitigation combustion stability concerns
- Design for additive manufacturing, machining, and weld/braze processes
- Experience planning, running, and analyzing rocket engine hotfire tests
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Responsibilities
- Own injector hardware end to end, from first-principles sizing through flight operation.
- Perform physics-based architecture trades within a given engine cycle and required performance, leading to design & analysis of Thrust Chamber Assembly piece parts
- Select manufacturing methods and lead the build, iterating on the design across the full lifecycle
- Plan and execute test campaigns, from component tests through full-engine hotfire
- Analyze hotfire data and lead component redesigns to meet mission requirements
- Partner with vehicle and test-stand engineers to keep the engine compatible with operational needs
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
