Sr. Propulsion Engineer Job at Redwire Space

Job Description

Redwire Space, Inc has an exciting opportunity for a Remote, Sr. Propulsion Engineer, responsible for the definition, integration, and technical oversight of spacecraft propulsion subsystems supporting maneuvering, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal across Space Missions programs. This role serves as the Responsible Engineer for propulsion, ensuring the selected propulsion solution meets mission requirements and integrates effectively with spacecraft systems. You will lead propulsion architecture trades, definition of subsystem requirements, selection of propulsion suppliers, and support the technical integration of the propulsion subsystem into the spacecraft.

Job Responsibility

Serve as the Responsible Engineer for spacecraft propulsion subsystems across one or more spacecraft programs
Define propulsion subsystem requirements including thrust capability, delta-V budgets, propellant capacity, maneuver timelines, and mission lifetime margins
Perform system level trade studies, design optimization, and performance modeling, to evaluate propulsion technologies and supplier solutions aligned to mission needs
Lead propulsion supplier evaluation, selection, and technical oversight throughout the program lifecycle
Develop subsystem specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and verification plans for propulsion systems
Coordinate closely with Mission Analysis and GNC teams to ensure maneuver planning and propulsion capabilities are aligned
Ensure propulsion subsystem interfaces with spacecraft avionics, power systems, structures, thermal and software are properly defined and integrated
Develop propulsion test plans and support or execute hot fire, pressure, and environmental tests
Support propulsion subsystem integration, system-level testing, and anomaly resolution during integration and test campaigns
Contribute to hazard analyses, fault management strategies, and safety of operations processes
Participate in subsystem and system-level design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and test readiness reviews
Support technical interactions with propulsion suppliers including design reviews, performance assessments, and acceptance testing
Contribute to propulsion operations planning including maneuver execution strategies and propellant margin management

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with 6+ years of experience
Experience serving as Responsible Engineer or similar role with technical ownership of spacecraft propulsion system architecture, development, and analysis
Experience developing propulsion subsystem requirements, specifications, and interface definitions
Familiarity with electric and chemical propulsion systems, their differences, and trade-offs
Experience performing ∆V budget development and propellant sizing
US Citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
Must be able to travel up to 20%

Nice to have

Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Experience integrating propulsion subsystems on spacecraft missions in numerous orbital regimes
Expert understanding of electric propulsion systems (e.g., Hall-effect, ion), chemical propulsion systems (monopropellant, bipropellant), and dual-mode propulsion solutions
Experience performing mission maneuver analysis, delta-V budgeting, and propellant mass estimation
Experience with performance modeling (CEA-equilibrium for chemical, EP thruster curve fits), duty cycles, life models, thermal/structural margins, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies for autonomous operations
Experience using spacecraft industry modeling tools such as STK, GMAT, MATLAB, Python, Ansys Fluent, Monte Carlo mission simulations, or custom propulsion modeling environments
Experience supporting propulsion qualification and acceptance test campaigns
Familiarity with propulsion testing and aerospace safety practices
Experience coordinating propulsion subsystem development with spacecraft GNC and mission operations teams
Experience supporting propulsion supplier down select and procurement activities
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills
Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance

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Sr. Propulsion Engineer

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