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Rocket Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Engine) (R5086)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Background in rocket propulsion or thrust vector control systems. * Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace environments. * M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Engine) (R5086)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Background in rocket propulsion or thrust vector control systems. * Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace environments. * M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related ...

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Propulsion Engineering

TX · On-site

The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft ... Extensive experience developing and operating liquid rocket engines, launch vehicles, or spacecraft

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All JobsRocket Propulsion Engineer JobsRocket Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Texas

Rocket Propulsion Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$38.2K

$95.8K

$156.1K

How much do rocket propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket propulsion engineer in Texas is $95,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $109,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rocket propulsion engineer do?

A Rocket Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves propulsion systems that power rockets and spacecraft. They work with different types of propulsion technologies, such as liquid, solid, hybrid, and electric propulsion. Their responsibilities include analyzing performance, ensuring safety, and optimizing efficiency. These engineers collaborate with teams to create innovative solutions for space exploration, defense, and commercial applications.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a rocket propulsion engineer?

Rocket Propulsion Engineers spend their days designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems for rockets, including engines, fuel systems, and related subsystems. They collaborate closely with other engineers, such as structural and avionics specialists, to integrate propulsion solutions into the broader vehicle design. Daily tasks often involve running simulations, reviewing test data, troubleshooting technical issues, and participating in design or safety reviews. This role is usually a mix of hands-on experimental work and theoretical modeling, providing a dynamic and challenging work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rocket propulsion engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Propulsion Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with propulsion simulation software (like ANSYS or MATLAB), CAD tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as those from NASA or DoD are highly valued. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams are important soft skills. These attributes ensure precise design, safe testing, and innovative solutions in the highly technical and collaborative field of rocket propulsion.

What are popular job titles related to Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas?

For Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas are:

Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Propulsion Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,797 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer - Liquid Rocket Engines

Intuitive Machines LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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.