ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in California

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPropulsion System Design Engineer JobsPropulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in California

Propulsion System Design Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion system design engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Propulsion System Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with existing subsystems, meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards, and managing weight or space constraints. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including structural, thermal, and controls engineers—is essential to address these issues. Additionally, rapid advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques require engineers to stay updated and adapt designs efficiently, all while maintaining reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion system design engineer?

To thrive as a Propulsion System Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, advanced knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), and industry standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, innovative, and efficient propulsion system designs that meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards.

What does a propulsion system design engineer do?

A Propulsion System Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing propulsion systems used in vehicles such as airplanes, rockets, or spacecraft. These engineers work on components like engines, turbines, and fuel systems to ensure they meet performance, safety, and efficiency standards. Their role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting simulations, and overseeing prototype testing. They play a critical part in advancing technology and meeting regulatory requirements for propulsion systems.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Design Engineer vs Propulsion Test Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System Design EngineerPropulsion Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing propulsion systemsTesting and validating propulsion systems
Skills & CertificationsMechanical/ aerospace engineering, CAD, system modelingTesting procedures, data analysis, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, R&D facilitiesTest facilities, labs, on-site testing environments
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, space industriesUsed in aerospace, space, and research sectors

The Propulsion System Design Engineer focuses on creating and developing propulsion systems, while the Propulsion Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these systems to ensure performance and safety. Both roles require engineering expertise but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in California? For Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Propulsion System Design Engineer job openings:
Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion System Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems
Department: Propulsion
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $140,000 - $190,000 / year
Description
As a Senior Engineer - Propulsion Systems at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for one of Impulse's in-space propulsion systems, which includes bipropellant thrusters, pressure components and vessels
  • Drive propulsion system development and implementation including:
  • System requirements definition, design and analysis
  • Schedule formulation, tracking, and resource allocation
  • Hardware and software configuration definition
  • Build and test work scope and order-of-operations
  • Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
  • Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
  • Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, testing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
  • Hands-on experience designing, building and working with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
  • Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure system alignment and transparency
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
  • Demonstrated experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
  • Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
  • Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and 7+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field.
  • Prior experience working on hardware development projects with cost and schedule constraints for key propulsion system design elements (thrusters, valves, and/or pressure vessels)
  • Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  • Demonstrated experience in leading multiple projects for ground test and flight propulsion systems
  • Create, modify and execute test sequences and procedures for high pressure development and flight hardware systems
  • Demonstrated experience working with in-space propulsion systems including support of preflight mission analysis and on-orbit mission operations
  • Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
  • Familiarity with a fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT, GFSSP or similar
  • Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment
  • Experience working with saturated fluid systems

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Apply