Staff Propulsion Engineer

Agile Space Industries, Inc.•Durango, CO

2d•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 Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, 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. 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

M.S. or higher degree in related engineering or technical field. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
12+ Years of experience working on development of propulsion systems. Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
Deep understanding of fuel film cooling and regenerative cooling in bipropellant engines as well as design experience to ensure thermal stability in engines.
Experience working with performance modeling tools like TDK or similar JANNAF compliant tools commonly used in the storable propulsion industry.
Working knowledge of and experience with selection of valves for different chemical propulsion applications.
Multi-disciplined engineer confident working through ambiguity and uncertainty across complex assignments.
Proven track record of delivering hypergolic propulsion systems from concept to production
Experience with propulsion testing and data analysis, specifically liquid propulsion.

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

Lead the design and development of hypergolic propulsion systems and components, including combustion devices, liquid rocket engines, propellant systems, and supporting components.
Establish architecture and design injectors for engines based on operational requirements including pulse mode, steady state or throttle operations and performance needs.
Design and layout of storable propellant rocket engine combustion devices.
Define and conduct trade studies to design combustion chambers for engines by balancing thermal restrictions and performance requirements by implementing the right cooling methods.
Work with supplier(s) to identify the appropriate valves for propellant control based on hypergol compatibility and performance requirements like response times, cycle frequency, etc.
Perform system-level trade studies, modeling, and simulation to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability. Performance modeling can include use of TDK or similar industry standard tools.
Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.
Collaborate cross-functionally with structures, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams.
Develop and review engineering documentation, including requirements, specifications, and design reviews.
Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
Support test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
Prepare formal presentations and reports for customer communication and gated product development reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers.
Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives.
Utilize SolidWorks CAD for design of components and/or assemblies.