Experienced Propulsion Engineer

Lockheed Martin•Grand Prairie, TX

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

You will be the Aeronautical / Propulsion Engineer for the Propulsion team in Grand Prairie, TX working a new development program. Our team delivers breakthrough missile propulsion solutions, driving the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of solid rocket motors that power today’s most demanding aerospace missions. As the Aeronautical / Propulsion Engineer you will be responsible for leading technical oversight of a key SRM supplier, accelerating rapid development cycles, and ensuring our motors meet performance, safety, and schedule goals. You’ll work cross functionally with missile IPTs, test engineers, and production to translate system requirements into flight ready hardware.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) with at least 12 years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion
Well versed in Solid Rocket Motor Design and mechanics, with specialties in non-traditional air breathing propulsion (Ramjet, Scramjet, Rotating Detonation Engines)
Experience managing Propulsion Integrated Product Team (IPT) with minimal guidance or oversight on daily activities
Experience in overseeing propulsion programmatic and technical planning/execution, program risk management, and program scheduling
Competence in manufacturing execution systems, work-instruction management, and change control documentation
Familiar with basic chemistry and physics with ability to learn and master advanced topics such as polymer chemistry, thermochemistry, rheology, thermodynamics, ballistics, etc.
Ability to read and understand technical data sheets and drawings
Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams - Full Lifecycle Development Experience
Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs
Familiarity with statistical process controls, design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis techniques
Knowledge of nondestructive evaluation methods (radiographic inspection, ultrasonic, etc.)
Knowledge of turbojet propulsion system, testing methods and ability to critically analyze testing data
Strong communication skills (both oral and written)
Collaborative mindset for working with suppliers and contractors
Ability to obtain government issued Security Clearance

Nice To Haves

Candidate is expected to spend greater than 50% of time on travel, co-located with Propulsion Supplier(s).
Proposal Development Experience; Basis of Estimate (BOE) Development
Experience with design, build and full rate production of Solid Rocket Motor propulsion systems
Master's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) with at least 15 years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion

Responsibilities

Manage Propulsion Integrated Product Team (IPT) with minimal guidance or oversight on daily activities.
Oversee propulsion programmatic and technical planning/execution, program risk management, and program scheduling.
Serve as the primary line of communication between the LMMFC Missile team and the Propulsion Supplier.
Ensure technical rigor and maturity of the propulsion system, acting in concert with Propulsion Supplier Chief Engineer and Government Propulsion Leads.
Define and refine product specifications and statements of requirements for new and existing SRMs.
Generate motor performance predictions and validate them against system level IPT models.
Develop, review, and execute comprehensive test plans, overseeing supplier level and system level testing.
Lead weekly working group meetings with motor suppliers, capturing action items and driving resolutions.
Present motor status updates at internal briefings and formal customer program reviews.
Coordinate interface development with product design, analysis groups, materials, and production operations.
Manage engineering drawings and documentation releases through PLM, ensuring configuration control.
Perform design trade studies, risk assessments, and failure mode analyses to mitigate technical risk.
Mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative, solution focused culture.