Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Amentum•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is hiring an Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer for its JETSII contract supporting NASA’s deep-space exploration work. The role applies engineering principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems, supports design and analysis of propulsion components and assemblies, and contributes to testing, integration, hardware certification, and mission operations. The engineer works with multidisciplinary teams and may perform both analytical and hands-on work in office, laboratory, test, integration, or operational environments. Travel may be required. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanical systems, and engineering materials. Preferred experience includes propulsion or fluid systems, engineering analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB, CAD, test data analysis, hardware assembly, and aerospace testing or certification activities. The role is generally based in an office environment, though tasks may involve indoor or outdoor work. Work may require sitting or standing for extended periods and lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds. Regular attendance is critical, and the employee may need to work outside the normal schedule or adjust hours during peak periods. The salary starts at $64,600, with final compensation based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; the posting also states that the role typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or a related area.
Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
Willingness to participate in analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment.
May require proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid-system components.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal-vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight-hardware certification.
Interest in human spaceflight, small-spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

Responsibilities

Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
Assist with selecting materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
Support preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
Prepare and present technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
Perform other duties as required.
Maintain regular attendance and adjust schedules to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Follow professional conduct, grooming, and dress standards that support productivity, teamwork, and safety.