Senior Propulsion Engineer

STEM Boomerang•Rio Rancho, NM

About The Position

Castelion was founded to restore America’s ability to field advanced weapons at speed and scale. Inspired by the engineering urgency of the WWII and Apollo eras, we combine rapid iteration, vertical integration, and scalable manufacturing to deliver affordable, high-performance strike systems. Our mission: rebuild industrial agility to strengthen national security and outpace evolving threats. The Senior Propulsion Engineer's primary responsibility is the design of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures, along with propulsion components, with an emphasis on schedule, affordability and scale.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or physics.
5+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team, university rocketry club and internship experience counts).
Effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating with cross-functional teams, presenting design concepts, and documenting work.
Proficient in test methods/setups.
Skilled in CAD software (NX 8.5 or similar packages like PTC Creo, CATIA).
Expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994.
Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces.
Knowledge of insensitive munitions protocols and practices.
Willing and able to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notification to meet critical deadlines leading up to major milestones.
Able to travel up to 30% on an ongoing basis.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience working with aerospace materials (including metals, plastics, and composites).
Solid understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components.
Hold a Masters degree or PhD in a technical discipline such as mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Hands-on experience supporting rapid product development, including designing hardware for high-rate production in alternative non-aerospace domains.
Currently hold an active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

Design of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures.
Design of propulsion components.
Emphasis on schedule, affordability and scale in design.
Conduct trade studies using engineering fundamentals to make informed recommendations, even with limited information.
Support rapid product development.
Design hardware for high-rate production.

Benefits

Meaningful equity for all full-time employees
Four (4) weeks of paid time off
Ten (10) company paid holidays
Medical plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
Dental & Vision: cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents
FSA/HSA options
401k plan
Paid Parental Leave: Birthing parents are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non-birthing parents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
Frequently catered lunches and team meals
Company-covered meals when extra time or effort is required
Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks
$100 monthly fitness stipend
Onsite electric vehicle charging