Lead Propulsion Engineer

Voyager Technologies, Inc. • Mojave, CA

7h • $160,000 - $240,000

About The Position

Voyager is hiring a Lead Propulsion Engineer to direct and grow its propulsion team as it develops a portfolio of cryogenic propulsion technologies. This leadership role requires substantial experience designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems, including comprehensive experience developing cryogenic bi-propellant systems. The Lead Propulsion Engineer provides technical direction across design, analysis, integration, testing, and operations; supports team development and project execution; and maintains overarching responsibility for integrated main engine systems and their incorporation into flight vehicle architectures.

The position is part of Voyager’s propulsion team in Mojave, California. The role works with the chief engineering office on technical strategy and business development, and coordinates with other subsystem leads to meet project goals. Applicants must be a U.S. Person and eligible to obtain required export authorizations under applicable U.S. government regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a similar engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development, including at least 5 years in cryogenic systems; methane and LOX experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of at least three engineers on a multi-year project, driving propulsion system development and testing.
• Demonstrated decision-making using informed risk to balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems.
• Successful experience in a role requiring people-leadership skills.
• Experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and testing.
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks for a team supporting multiple projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including preparing reports and technical presentations.
• Must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).
• Must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of propulsion system cycles and experience performing system-level engine modeling.
• Proficiency with fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development, such as GFSSP, ROCETS, RTE, or RPA, and system-level modeling tools such as Amesim or Thermal Desktop.
• Experience with CAD; SolidWorks is preferred, as is experience with lifecycle management tools.
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics; ANSYS Fluent or CFX is preferred.
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design.
• Analytical or scientific programming experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab.
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDREs.
• Experience with rocket turbopumps.
• Experience with pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, or qualification testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the propulsion team in developing new rocket propulsion systems.
• Provide technical direction to propulsion engineers across design, analysis, integration, testing, and operations.
• Ensure the propulsion team’s technical work follows company and team best practices and processes across projects.
• Mentor propulsion engineers on performance, career development, work-life balance, and individual priorities.
• Work with the chief engineering office to align strategic technical plans with business development goals and support proposal creation.
• Create work scopes, labor and material cost estimates, and risk assessments to support project management.
• Coordinate with lead engineers from other subsystems to jointly execute project goals.
• Maintain overarching responsibility for integrated main engine systems and their incorporation into flight vehicle architectures.
• Design and analyze cryogenic propulsion systems, including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, tanks, turbomachinery, and pressurization systems.
• Design and analyze combustion device elements, including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology.
• Create and review propulsion system fluid-thermal models to guide design and operational decisions.
• Lead the creation and review of hardware drawings to support manufacturing.
• Create and review component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement.
• Develop and review instructions for manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion systems and components.
• Develop and review test plans, lead technical readiness and safety reviews, and execute component and integrated-system tests.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees.
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with more than 12,700 nationwide options and free on-demand workout videos before enrollment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources.
• Opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior