Propulsion Engineer

Estes Energetics

About The Position

Voyager is searching for experienced Propulsion Engineers at various levels (Propulsion Engineer/Sr. Propulsion Engineer/Staff Propulsion Engineer) – based on experience - to join our solid rocket motor (SRM) design and manufacturing operations in Colorado. The Propulsion Engineer will primarily be responsible for either developing solid rocket motor components, tooling, and test hardware, or development of propellant formulations, design of experiments, characterization, and manufacturing. You will work alongside experienced senior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute to the success of our development and production energetics facility in Colorado. This is a great career opportunity for mid-career engineers, particularly those with experience in energetics manufacturing, rocket motor design or analysis, as well general aerospace or defense industry experience.

Requirements

BS or MS in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, electrical, or other relevant engineering fields.
At least 5 years of experience in aerospace/defense industry, energetic materials, solid rocket propulsion, composites, or other relevant fields.
Familiarity with formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
Experience interfacing with customers and suppliers as a technical point of contact.
Hands on skills such as propellant mixing, machining, hobby rocketry, automotive/mechanics, prototype fabrication, carpentry, pipe fitting, electronics, etc.
Conceptual skills such as mechanical design, CAD, and analytical evaluation.
Engineering skills such as mechanical design, Computer Aided Design (CAD), data analysis, first-order calculations for initial sizing and design or performance, and structural analysis using hand-calculations.
Willingness to perform both conceptual and hands-on tasks.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
Be 21 years of age or older.
Pass pre-employment drug test.
Pass State and Federal background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with formulating, mixing, or casting propellants and explosives.
Experience designing rocket motor hardware, tooling, or test equipment.
Familiarity or experience with finite element analysis (FEA), structural analysis, propellant-grain structural analysis, and/or thermal analysis.
Familiarity or experience with solid rocket motor ballistics analysis, flight simulation analysis, or other numerical analysis tools.
Familiarity or experience with material mechanical property testing.
Lab testing experience, including mechanical, chemical, or thermal property testing.
Experience creating executable plans for individual work or small teams.
Project engineering exposure and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, and develop solid rocket motor systems and components, including motor cases, nozzles, insulation systems, propellant grains, tooling, and ground test equipment.
Develop, characterize, and optimize solid propellant formulations, including design of experiments (DOE), ballistic performance evaluation, mechanical property testing, bond-line development, and data analysis.
Perform internal ballistics, thermal, structural, and performance analyses at the component and system levels to ensure compliance with program requirements.
Plan, support, and evaluate static fire tests and related developmental and qualification test campaigns, document and present test results to internal and external stakeholders.
Support rocket motor qualification, acceptance, and production efforts in accordance with applicable government, customer, and industry standards.
Apply established propulsion technologies and manufacturing processes to current programs; assess and mature new technologies to improve performance, reliability, producibility, and safety.
Lead or support root cause investigations, failure analyses, and corrective action implementation for propulsion system and energetic material anomalies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, safety, supply chain, and program management to resolve complex technical issues.
Prepare and review technical documentation, including requirements verification, test plans and reports, design review materials (SRR/PDR/CDR), and compliance documentation.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers; contribute to knowledge transfer and team capability development.
Support research, development, production, and sustainment programs across aerospace and defense applications as assigned.