Propulsion Engineer

wardstone.space•El Segundo, CA

About The Position

The Propulsion Engineer will help design, build, and test the solid rocket motor for Hailstorm, the company's first interceptor. The role owns motor components and test campaigns from design through static fire, with guidance and review from the Senior Propulsion Engineer. The engineer will collaborate with mechanical, avionics, GNC, and aerodynamics engineers, and support motor integration and flight tests.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience with propulsion hardware or high-pressure systems; student rocketry or similar project-team experience counts.
Working knowledge of rocket propulsion, including internal ballistics, combustion, and heat transfer.
Solid CAD skills, including parts, assemblies, and drawings.
Hands-on test experience, such as instrumentation, data acquisition, or test operations.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for analysis.
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

Experience with solid rocket motor design, manufacturing, or static fires.
High-power rocketry certification from NAR or Tripoli.
Familiarity with solid propellant chemistry or casting processes.
Experience with high-speed data acquisition systems, strain gauges, and high-speed cameras.
Hands-on build experience, including machining, plumbing, and test fixture design.
Experience with propulsion analysis tools such as CEA, internal ballistics codes, or CFD.

Responsibilities

Design motor components—including nozzles, igniters, closures, insulation, and case hardware—with guidance from the Senior Propulsion Engineer.
Create CAD models and clear fabrication drawings.
Conduct internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses to support design decisions.
Prepare for and conduct static fires, pressure tests, and temperature-conditioned tests.
Design and build test fixtures, plumbing, and instrumentation, including pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, and high-speed cameras.
Set up data acquisition systems, reduce test data, and compare results with predictions.
Coordinate with vendors and machine shops to manufacture parts, and inspect parts upon delivery.
Follow and help improve safety procedures for handling, storing, and testing energetic materials.
Work with external test ranges and energetics facilities during test campaigns.
Support motor integration with the mechanical and avionics teams.
Present work in design reviews and incorporate feedback.
Support flight tests, including data collection and post-flight analysis.