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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems, operate them during test ... Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years ...

... propulsion) and a keen interest in rapidly learning others. • Strong system engineering experience, particularly in spacecraft design, development, and implementation. • Hands-on experience with ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... propulsion system design, supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamics prediction, guidance, navigation ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... propulsion system design, supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamics prediction, guidance, navigation ...

In depth knowledge of satellite propulsion systems, propulsion system CONOPS, orbit dynamics, and low-thrust trajectory planning. * Hands-on experience with programming microcontrollers. ITAR ...

... rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external ... Collaborate with engineers of varied disciplines to define system interfaces. * Understand and ...

... rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external ... Collaborate with engineers of varied disciplines to define system interfaces. * Understand and ...

... rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external ... Collaborate with engineers of varied disciplines to define system interfaces. * Understand and ...

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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 Virginia are hiring for Propulsion System Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Propulsion System Engineer job openings:

Propulsion System/Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Orange, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Propulsion System / Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Job ID: 38690

Job Location:Orange, VA

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week

Job Description:

Propulsion / Instrumentation and Controls Engineers

Responsible for the integration of instrumentation, data acquisition, and controls for testing solid fuel and liquid propulsion systems ensuring the test instrumentation meets testing programs quality, schedule, and cost objectives.

This role will require support of system design activities for test and integration of COTS-based control systems from the system design phase through development, documentation, installation and commissioning of complete systems. These systems are required for control room operation and data collection of solid and liquid rocket, ramjet / scramjet, aerothermal, and/or component tests.

Additionally the role will require knowledge of various instrumentation and control hardware for developing, planning, and implementing system test procedures for delivering customer data for production and development programs. Maintaining and supporting calibration processes for facility instrumentation and equipment for development and production programs is also an essential role of this position.

Expected to advise test engineering team members of instrumentation and data acquisition system requirements and capabilities. As part of a larger managed project team, will need to work with little supervision.

Trouble shooting and problem solving is essential in this role. You must have a passion for learning and understanding complex issues of instrumentation and controls systems. Will need to be able to resolve issues while working with custom equipment that may need to be designed out and replaced. Continuous improvement of operations through innovation is paramount.

Will need to communicate with multiple customers, vendors, and colleagues across the business and industry to fulfil project requirements, operational targets, and customer deliverables.

Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Essential Functions:

Under general supervision:

  • 35% - Interface with Design/Project Engineering to develop/interpret instrumentation requirements. Recommend, propose, and integrate test facility instrumentation, data acquisition, and control hardware to meet program objectives. This also includes maintaining configuration control of production test data acquisition, signal conditioning, control, and data reduction software. Taking ownership and maintaining test facility equipment.
  • 25% - Prepare technical documentation, including software logs, test procedures, electrical schematics, and contributing to test readiness reviews. Work with Quality and Safety to ensure test methods meet calibration and process safety requirements along with customer and government requirements/regulations.
  • 25% - Provide training to Control Room Operators on data acquisition, calibration, and controls setup. Trouble shoot wiring harnesses, specify and fabricate needed cables for test programs to interface between data systems and sensors.
  • 10% - Recommend, propose, plan, and execute (manage cost and schedule) facility upgrades, equipment acquisition and installation to meet ongoing and developing test program requirements. Coordinate cost and schedule planning/estimates.
  • 5% Occasional travel to support various programs within industry.

Qualifications:

Requires a bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical or other closely related engineering discipline and aminimum of 4 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of directly related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Familiar with the setup and installation in an academic or industrial lab / test environment where physical measurements of load cells, pressure/displacement transducers, LVDT's, accelerometers, and thermocouples were utilized.
  • A working knowledge of strain gage applications. The knowledge to apply strain gauges on any type of material, temperature range, and for any environment. The use of strain gauges in mechanical testing and the application of strain gauges for use in stress analysis.
  • Familiar with volt meters, oscilloscopes, temperature reading equipment, hand-held meters, and data logging systems.
  • Software (C/QNX, Pacific, Allen-Bradley PLC, LabView, C/C++ programming, Matlab/Simulink, etc.),
  • Pneumatic valves and control hardware, systems, and applications.
  • Experience making cables for various instrumentation needs and environments where electrical noise interference present challenges to good data collection.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $76,500 - $142,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-KF1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time