Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer

Amentum•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer supports the design, analysis, testing, integration, and operation of propulsion-system components and spacecraft pressure systems for NASA deep-space exploration programs. The role applies foundational engineering principles—including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine design—to propulsion and spacecraft hardware. The engineer develops or reviews analyses, models, calculations, engineering drawings, and three-dimensional CAD models; supports architecture studies and technical trade assessments; and helps select materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes. The position also involves hands-on participation in hardware assembly and integration, component- and system-level testing, test-data analysis, and investigation of anomalies and nonconformances. The engineer contributes to safety, cleanliness, contamination-control, requirements-verification, and hardware-certification activities, and may support mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations. The position works with multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractors. Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations may be required. This potential opening is being used to identify and interview candidates before the position is finalized and opened. The role is generally in an office environment, with possible inside or outside work depending on the task. Regular attendance is critical, and work outside the normal schedule may be needed during peak periods or surges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
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 both 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.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency may be required.

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 the 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.