Sr. Propulsion Engineer

Who We Are:

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace.

At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from parts to engine and/or Propellant & Pressure Management (PPMS) systems. You will be responsible for taking designs from concepts to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self‑starter and self‑motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.

• Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion piece parts and assemblies
• Generate CAD models of components and engine systems
• Fluid network modeling, analysis & design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, identify COTS components for fluid systems, work with suppliers to source components
• Generate P&'s of engine systems
• Develop and execute test plans, analyze test results
• Systems engineering experience focusing on generating engine balances, engine sizing and requirements, technical understanding of various engine cycles, and trading cycle efficiencies of various engine cycles
• Use engine P&IDs to generate fully detailed CAD models of engine assemblies
• Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks
• Design and analyze tanks and supporting tank structures and PPMS
• Work with vehicle engineering and test teams to satisfy engine systems design requirements and communicate engine systems test requirements
• Work with outside vendors and in‑house procurement team to select and source components for engine and PPMS systems

• The ideal candidate will be a multi‑disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design & analysis, engine testing & hotfire data analysis, hands‑on experience with assembling & testing propulsion systems, generating complex CAD models & designing for manufacturing (DFM), and excellent communication & people skills.
• 5+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 3+ years of CAD experience, particularly working with large assemblies
• Systems engineering and operational experience
• Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams
• Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads
• Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications
• Experience in some of the design & analysis tools such as NX / Solid Works, ANSYS Mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, GFSSP, Microsoft Visio
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate in a fast‑paced work environment

• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Experience with RDREs or RDEs
• Project management/leadership
• Familiarity with Agile methods
• Strong background in systems engineering for engine or PPMS systems
• Engine and/or engine component testing
• Familiarity with standards such as SMC‑S‑016, NASA STD‑5012, AIAA S‑080A‑2018
• Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing

This is a full‑time salaried position working onsite at our headquarters located on the Ellington Air Field property in Houston, Texas.

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We…