Sr Mechanical Eng - Propulsion Systems - Oct 2026

Trade • Seattle, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will drive the architectural design and innovation of rocket engine components for propulsion systems. The role involves designing structures, assemblies, mechanisms, bearings, seals, pressure vessels, engine components, and fluid components, as well as design for manufacturing, thermal and stress analysis, and component, material, and process selection. The ideal candidate has led multiple full-lifecycle development programs for rocket engine mechanical systems, such as primary structures, chambers, injector layouts, cooling systems, pumps, and actuators. The position has significant technical and strategic impact, guiding methods on active programs and across the company.

The engineer will lead complex in-space propulsion component development and hardware from concept through assembly and testing. The role also includes translating long-term technical strategies into engineering requirements, solving ambiguous propulsion challenges, advising engineering leadership, mentoring colleagues, and coordinating with customers, subcontractors, manufacturing, test, and cross-functional teams.

This is a full-time, onsite position in Seattle, Washington. The listed base salary range is $140,000+–$200,000+; the posting notes that the range is a guideline.

Requirements

• B.S. or advanced degree in a related engineering or technical field.
• 15+ years of experience developing mechanical systems, demonstrating strategic and technical impact.
• Profound expertise in mechanical design for high-pressure and high-temperature environments, such as valves, injectors, combustion chambers, and pressure vessels.
• Demonstrated experience delivering rocket engine hardware architectural solutions and setting company-wide technical execution methods.
• Experience designing and developing hardware in a production environment for release to manufacturing.
• GD&T training, with certification up to professional certification.
• Expertise in CAD modeling of components, assemblies, and drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.100 standards.
• Expertise in mechanical fastening design, including bolted joints and welding.
• Expertise in engineering for spaceflight environmental requirements, including vibration, shock, and thermal extremes.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within team settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with FEA of mechanical components and sub-assemblies; ANSYS preferred.
• Experience with machining and manufacturing processes for mechanical components.
• Experience in fluid sealing design and manufacturing.
• Experience in design for Laser Powder Bed Fusion additive manufacturing.
• Experience developing FMECA analyses.
• Experience testing mechanical systems for spaceflight environments.
• Experience with requirements management tools.

Responsibilities

• Drive design and development of complex in-space propulsion system components and piece parts, with system-level understanding and integration across components and system elements.
• Design and develop chemical rocket system components and assemblies, including concept creation, hand-calculation verification, CAD assembly design and management, BOM creation, drawing production, and collaboration with manufacturing and testing teams.
• Translate long-term technical strategies into actionable engineering requirements for significant features and projects.
• Distill ambiguous propulsion challenges into pragmatic, high-quality mechanical solutions for the engineering team.
• Advise engineering leadership on high-stakes technical decisions and help shape the company’s engineering vision.
• Cultivate a culture of technical excellence and collaboration, mentoring engineers at all experience levels and cross-functional teams.
• Lead hardware through the full development lifecycle, from conceptual hand calculations and CAD assembly through vendor selection, assembly, test execution, and analysis.
• Identify and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout development activities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among external customers, internal teams, subcontractors, and cross-functional groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior