Conduct conceptual and advanced propulsion design studies, including cycle analysis, performance trades, and system architecture assessments that may not progress to hardware Design, analyze, and evaluate propulsion system components - including thrust chambers, ignition systems, valves, insulation, and seals - from paper studies through fabrication and test, as program phase dictates Develop full-vehicle and subsystem thermal models capturing external heating environments, structural conduction, and internal temperature response Support mechanical, electrical, and fluid integration of propulsion system elements, including liquid propulsion systems, propellant tanks, and pressurization systems Participate in ground testing activities - including procedure development, execution, and data reduction - with hands-on involvement scaled to program needs Perform propulsion performance modeling and model validation against experimental data Communicate effectively with external suppliers, partners, and customers through written and verbal channels Brief customers across industry and U.S. government on program status, system performance, technical progress, and development roadmaps. A DAY IN THE LIFE The Senior Propulsion Engineer will work within a small, multidisciplinary team of engineers on the design, analysis, development, and evaluation of advanced propulsion systems across a wide range of applications.