Principal​/Senior Engineer, Propulsion

Job Description

Position Title:

Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion

Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal/Senior Propulsion Engineer.

• Own and execute propulsion hardware development across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, analysis, build, test, and flight support.
• Lead the design and delivery of space-rated propellant tanks and supporting propulsion components.
• Serve as a technical contributor and mentor within a cross-disciplinary engineering team.
• Collaborate closely with systems, structures, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready hardware on aggressive schedules.
• Apply sound engineering judgment and creativity to solve complex propulsion challenges and meet mission requirements.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in the design, analysis, build, and test of space-rated metallic pressure vessels and related propulsion hardware, including:
• Familiarity with ANSI/AIAA S-080A, launch vehicle interfaces, and range safety requirements.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing of space-rated pressure vessels.
• Proficiency in tank and pressure vessel analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fracture mechanics, slosh dynamics, and propellant management devices.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts and small teams.
• Ownership of cost, schedule, and technical performance for assigned hardware.
• Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and workflows.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment.
• Strong commitment to technical rigor, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience with in-space propulsion subsystems beyond propellant tanks.
• Background working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment.
• Advanced propulsion analysis experience using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CFD, FEA, Surface Evolver, and GFSSP.
• Experience with CAD tools and configuration-controlled hardware development.
• Strong background in risk identification and mitigation.
• Programming experience in Java, Python, Julia, and/or C++.
• Familiarity with 5S (6S) and Lean Six Sigma principles.

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary Range: $160K-$220K.
• Location:
  
  Rockville, Maryland
• Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status.

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.