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Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Manassas, VA

Lynk

Propulsion Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a Propulsion Design Engineer at Lynk, you will support the development of the Hall ... You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems and to perform analyses ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Contribute to the design, development, and qualification of propellant tanks, pumps, and advanced spacecraft propulsion systems * Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing ...

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

SAIC

Radar System Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Radar System Design Engineer will support advanced space-based ISR and ground radar mission systems by performing radar architecture definition, system-level design, and radar signal processing ...

One Way Ventures

Propulsion Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET ... Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming ...

Elveo

Propulsion Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET ... Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming ...

Lynk

Propulsion Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET ... Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams ... Experience creating or interpreting CAD models, engineering drawings, and mechanical assembly ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams ... Experience creating or interpreting CAD models, engineering drawings, and mechanical assembly ...

Electra

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$92K - $112K/yr

The Role Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and ... Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing, stress, and certification teams ...

General Atomics

Mechanical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Knowledge of propulsion system design and experience with the development and testing of cold gas ... Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

You will work in close collaboration with systems engineers, embedded systems engineers, production ... Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design, including airframe structures, propulsion ...

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Propulsion System Design Engineer information

See Manassas, VA salary details

$49.5K

$118.6K

$173.5K

How much do propulsion system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion system design engineer in Manassas, VA is $118,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Manassas, VA are hiring for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Manassas, VA 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 Manassas, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,563 per year, or $57 per hour.

Propulsion Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Lynk
Manufacturing • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Lynkexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Elveo
Elveo is what happens when two pioneers in direct-to-device (D2D) communications join forces. Elveo brings together a combined 20 years of expertise to close the coverage gap for more than 50 mobile network operators (MNOs) and major distribution partners operating in 60+ countries worldwide.
That heritage and our technology powers what we call 'elevated intelligence' - a new approach that processes and adapts on orbit, delivering voice and data services straight to mobile users, IoT devices and machines across enterprise, government and humanitarian sectors worldwide.
As a team, we're on a mission to deliver powerful compute and connectivity directly to individuals and objects everywhere on Earth.
Join us, and become part of a globally inclusive company that is transforming satellite communications from a niche service to an essential global infrastructure, and democratizing connectivity for billions worldwide.
Ready to take the next step? Join us.
Job Summary
As a Propulsion Design Engineer at Lynk, you will support the development of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems and to perform analyses to support design optimization.
Core Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the team in the design of Hall Effect Thruster components and systems including mechanical, thermal, and magnetic components.
  • Perform magnetic simulations with FEMM or similar tools.
  • Perform thermal simulations with Solidworks or Thermal Desktop.
  • Perform CFD simulations with Autodesk CFD or similar tools.
  • Develop CAD models of components in Solidworks or similar.
  • Assist in the design of valves and plumbing.
  • Perform flow analysis simulations.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field..
  • 5+ years of direct experience with electric propulsion systems.
  • Hands on experience building and developing hardware prototypes
  • Must have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Job Location
Chantilly, VA

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