Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Amentum

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer will work at Kennedy Space Center supporting the Commercial Crew Program, providing expertise in all aspects of propulsion or fluid systems, including system design, reliability, material compatibility, and component performance. The role involves overseeing chemical rocket propulsion systems for human spacecraft, working with new or improved components, materials, processes, procedures, and techniques for these spacecraft. The engineer will be involved in the designing, manufacturing, and operation of space vehicles and rocket propulsion systems, applying critical inquiry, problem-solving, and scientific methodology. Key responsibilities include reviewing test plans, reports, anomalies, variances, hazard reports, and verification closure rationale. The position also requires identifying and assessing systems risks and mitigation plans, participating in the Program risk management process, and developing presentations for the Chief Engineer's Office and Program Management. The engineer will collaborate with partners to develop innovative, risk-informed solutions and recommendations, and effectively communicate these to the Program and Chief Engineers Office. Additionally, the role includes serving as a member of the Mission Support Team for real-time on-console monitoring of spacecraft operations, applying expertise to understand, visualize, analyze, design, and operate spacecraft systems, and investigating flight anomalies. The engineer will work alongside NASA aerospace engineers to incorporate new technologies, improve reliability, extend vehicle life, or reduce total ownership costs, and will serve as part of a technical authority chain to accept systems for the government as part of design certification review, system acceptance review, flight test readiness, and/or Certification of Flight Readiness.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering
Normally possess 5-10 years of related experience
Progressive experience working on complex, integrated systems—ideally in test, R&D, or flight hardware environments
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation

Nice To Haves

Proven understanding of spacecraft fluid systems (valves, regulators, tanks, propulsion interfaces, etc.)
Proven experience working across system level disciplines in mechanical, electrical, controls, and instrumentation
Strong background in test planning and execution, including data analysis, troubleshooting, and performance correlation
Experience in designing with manufacturability and installation focus
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts across teams
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, schedules, and resources in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
Experience leading teams through critical operations, tight timelines, and high-pressure scenarios
Track record of driving alignment, resolving technical disagreements, and making sound engineering decisions
Master's degree in engineering or related discipline
Hands-on experience with launch systems, propulsion testing, or aerospace ground/flight test operations
Familiarity with government space programs and operational frameworks
Formal training or applied experience in systems engineering principles
Background/experience in fluid or gas component design, development, and qualification

Responsibilities

Provide expertise in all aspects of propulsion or fluid systems (e.g. system design, reliability, material compatibility, component performance, etc.).
Oversee chemical rocket propulsion systems for human spacecraft.
Work with propulsion/pressurized systems of new or substantially improved components, materials, processes, procedures and techniques, structures, components, operations, etc. for these spacecrafts.
Work with systems related to propulsion/pressurized and the designing, manufacturing, and operation of space vehicles and rocket propulsion systems, using critical inquiry, problem solving, and scientific methodology.
Review test plans, test reports, anomalies, variances, hazard reports, and verification closure rationale for acceptability.
Identify and assess systems risks and mitigation plans for their respective systems and participate in the Program risk management process.
Develop presentations for the Chief Engineer's Office and Program Management.
Work with partners to develop innovative, risk-informed solutions and recommendations, while being able to concisely convey those recommendations to the Program and Chief Engineers Office.
Serve as a member of the Mission Support Team, responsible for real-time on-console monitoring of spacecraft operations.
Apply expertise to understand, visualize, analyze, design, and operate spacecraft systems, and investigate anomalies encountered during flight.
Work alongside NASA aerospace engineers to perform these various duties to incorporate new technologies, improve reliability, extend the life of an aerospace vehicle, or reduce total ownership costs.
Serve as part of a technical authority chain to accept systems for the government (program delegated) as part of design certification review process, system acceptance review process, flight test readiness and/or Certification of Flight Readiness.