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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Propulsion System Engineer information

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

To thrive as a Propulsion System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of propulsion system regulations or certifications (such as those from SAE or FAA) are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and project management abilities set outstanding engineers apart in collaborative and high-stakes environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of propulsion systems in complex aerospace projects.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion system engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Propulsion System Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex mechanical, electrical, and software components while ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, conducting rigorous simulation and testing, and staying current with industry standards and technological advancements. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and technologies may evolve rapidly. Additionally, effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues during development and testing phases.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space sectorsBroadly used in automotive, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace sectors

The Propulsion System Engineer specializes in designing and testing propulsion components, often within aerospace and defense industries, requiring specific knowledge of propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Propulsion System Engineers focus more on propulsion-specific design and testing, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

What is a propulsion system engineer?

Propulsion System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that propel vehicles, such as rockets, airplanes, or spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet, rocket, and other advanced propulsion technologies, to ensure efficient and safe performance. Their responsibilities often include analyzing system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize propulsion systems for specific missions or vehicles. They play a crucial role in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Propulsion System Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Propulsion System Engineer job openings:

Propulsion Engineer - Liquid Rocket Engines

Intuitive Machines LLC

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Propulsion Engineer – Liquid Rocket Engines

Houston, TX

About Intuitive Machines:

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With multiple NASA lunar missions in development and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, our customers, and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

About the Position:

We are seeking a Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation liquid rocket engines and propulsion hardware. This role is primarily focused on the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of liquid rocket engine injectors and associated combustion hardware. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing injector architectures, combustion devices, and additively manufactured engine components through rapid design-build-test iterations.

The successful candidate will work closely with propulsion analysts, thermal engineers, structures engineers, manufacturing personnel, and test engineers to develop flight and development hardware from initial concept through hot-fire testing. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring deep technical engagement with hardware design, analysis, fabrication, and test execution.

Responsibilities:

  • Design liquid rocket engine components including injectors, combustion chambers, manifolds, feed system hardware, and associated propulsion components.
  • Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and manufacturing documentation
  • Perform engineering analyses supporting propulsion hardware design, including structural, thermal, fluid, and manufacturability assessments.
  • Develop propulsion hardware optimized for additive manufacturing processes, including complex internal flow features, integrated manifolds, cooling circuits, design-for-additive-manufacturing considerations, and post-processing requirements.
  • Work closely with internal machine shop, additive manufacturing, and fabrication teams to mature designs from concept to hardware.
  • Support component assembly, development testing, hot-fire testing, post-test hardware evaluations, and data analysis.
  • Investigate hardware anomalies and implement design improvements based on test results and lessons learned.
  • Collaborate with structures, thermal, manufacturing, test, and systems engineering teams throughout the hardware development lifecycle.
  • Support rapid design-build-test iterations in a fast-paced development environment.

Requirements:

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of design, fabrication, and testing of liquid rocket engines and related components
  • Experience designing and testing injectors or cooled combustion chambers for liquid rocket engines.
  • Proficiency with Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion fundamentals.
  • Experience creating manufacturing drawings, tolerance schemes, and engineering documentation for fabricated hardware.
  • Ability to develop engineering analyses and communicate technical recommendations.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred / Differentiating Experience:
  • Experience developing cryogenic propulsion systems or hardware.
  • Experience evaluating injector performance, atomization, combustion efficiency, combustion stability, or related combustion device characteristics.
  • Experience with combustion chamber heat transfer, vacuum nozzles, electric pumps or turbomachinery, internal manifolding, or feed system hardware.
  • Experience with additive manufacturing of metallic aerospace hardware and design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) principles.
  • Experience supporting component-level or engine-level hot-fire testing.
  • Experience performing CFD, thermal, structural, combustion, or multidisciplinary analyses supporting propulsion hardware development.
  • Experience working closely with machine shops, additive manufacturing facilities, and propulsion test organizations.
  • Experience developing hardware for aerospace, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or defense applications.

US EEO Statement:

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.