Staff Propulsion Engineer

Agile Space Industries, Inc.•Durango, CO

34d•$144,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate. At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport. We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan. This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Agile is seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer who will lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive Agile’s propulsion devices from concept through production. The ideal candidate for this role will also be able to interpret hot-fire test data and drive design modification as well as provide technical guidance to junior engineers on sound design practices. Agile follows a fast-paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence as a technical leader. Critical skillsets being sought after are expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, rocket propulsion, spacecraft system architecture.

Requirements

Staff Level
B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
12+ years of experience developing propulsion systems or related aerospace hardware.
Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.
Experience supporting propulsion testing and interpreting test data.
Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks.
Demonstrated ability to own hardware development from concept through testing.
Senior Staff Level
All qualifications listed above, plus:
Demonstrated technical leadership across complex propulsion development efforts.
Experience leading propulsion architecture trades and major design decisions.
Proven track record delivering propulsion hardware through qualification and production.
Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical work products.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams through technical challenges and ambiguity.
Principal Level
All qualifications listed above, plus:
Recognized subject matter expertise in propulsion system design and development.
Experience defining propulsion technology roadmaps, system architectures, or strategic technical direction.
Proven record of leading large-scale propulsion programs or highly complex technical efforts.
Ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor senior engineers.
Experience serving as a primary technical authority during customer engagements and major design reviews.

Nice To Haves

Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems.
Familiarity with CFD, FEA, and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink) to understand analysis results.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, machining, and casting
Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense).
Knowledge of combustion instabilities.
Prior technical leadership, project ownership and/or people management experience.

Responsibilities

Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.
Lead the design and development of liquid propulsion systems and combustion devices, including engines, injectors, chambers, and propellant feed systems.
Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to Agile’s long-term propulsion technology roadmap.
Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
Prepare and review engineering documentation, requirements, specifications, and major design review packages (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
Collaborate closely with structures, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to drive integrated solutions.
Support hot-fire test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and design iteration.
Perform system-level trade studies, performance modeling, and design optimization focused on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and thermal stability.