RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - High Speed Propulsion Systems

Who We Are:

The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of air-breathing and chemical propulsion. Our technologies are advancing state-of-the-art propulsion technologies across the aerospace and defense sectors.

Objectives of this Role:

• Support the design, development, analysis, and testing of chemical propulsion systems, including solid rocket motors (SRMs), solid fuel ramjets (SFRJs), rotating detonation engines (RDEs), and other advanced rocket and high-speed propulsion technologies.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, machine design, and pressure vessel design, to develop propulsion hardware and experimental test systems operating under extreme conditions
• Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software, including SolidWorks, to develop detailed mechanical designs, engineering drawings, component assemblies, and fabrication specifications for propulsion systems and experimental hardware.
• Develop and apply engineering models, analytical tools, and computational methods to evaluate propulsion system performance, guide hardware design, interpret experimental results, and support technology development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to execute research and development programs, communicate technical results, prepare reports and proposals, and interface with commercial and government clients.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Provide analytical and experimental support across multiple R&D projects, including literature reviews, engineering calculations, mechanical design, modeling, and simulation using commercial engineering software such as ANSYS Workbench or APDL.
• Provide mechanical design and engineering support for rocket and missile propulsion, combustion, power generation, and related technologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technicians to develop practical engineering solutions.
• Support the design, assembly, instrumentation, and operation of experimental test systems.
• Plan and execute testing, develop new test rigs, and modify existing facilities to meet evolving project objectives.
• Coordinate activities with engineers and technicians.
• Apply first-principles engineering approaches to solve technical challenges, evaluate analytical and experimental results, and troubleshoot mechanical systems, experimental hardware, and computational models.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Perform mechanical design and engineering development under the direction of senior engineers.
• Exercise creativity, technical judgment, and independent problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and support research projects and proposal efforts.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering degree field.
• 2+ years: Experience with combustion and/or propulsion systems involving solid propellants, gaseous fuels, or liquid fuels. Familiarity with experimental test methodologies, instrumentation, and combustion diagnostics.
• 2+ years: Experience with the design, development, commissioning, and testing of high-pressure and/or extreme-temperature systems, including cryogenic, combustion, and propulsion applications.
• 2-5 years: Mechanical design and analysis experience, including the application of finite element analysis (FEA) and other engineering tools to evaluate structural integrity, component stresses, and fitness for service.
• 2-5 years: Familiarity with applicable engineering codes and standards, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASME B31 Piping Codes. Experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, maintenance, and troubleshooting of experimental hardware.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.