Lead Propulsion Engineer

Lead Propulsion Engineer

This is a critical leadership position tasked to direct and grow the propulsion team that is driving the development of Voyager’s portfolio of cryogenic propulsion technologies. This position requires team leadership abilities based in significant propulsion system design, analysis, and testing experience. Comprehensive experience with the development of bi-propellant cryogenic propulsion systems is required.

This position is part of the Voyager propulsion team located in Mojave, CA.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the propulsion team in the development of new rocket propulsion systems
• Provide technical direction to propulsion engineers across all elements of the work scope including design, analysis, integration, test, and operations
• Assure that technical work of the propulsion team aligns with company and team best practices and processes across all projects
• Offer regular and consistent mentoring to propulsion engineers regarding performance, career development, work-life balance, and other individual priorities
• Work with the chief engineering office to align strategic technical plans with business development goals, and support proposal creation
• Create work scopes, labor and material cost estimates, and risk assessments to support project management
• Coordinate with lead engineers of other subsystems to jointly execute to meet project goals
• Maintain overarching responsibility for all aspects of the integrated main engine systems, with incorporation into the flight vehicle architectures
• Design and analyze cryogenic propulsion systems including combustion devices, valves, propellant feed lines, tanks, turbomachinery, and pressurization systems
• Design and analyze combustion device elements including injectors, combustion chambers, nozzles, gas generators, cooling channels, and related technology
• Create and review propulsion system fluid-thermal models to guide design and operational decisions
• Lead the creation and review of hardware drawings to support manufacturing
• Create and review component specifications to guide vendor interactions and support procurement
• Develop and review instructions to direct the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of propulsion systems and components
• Develop and review test plans, lead technical readiness and safety reviews, and execute tests for component and integrated system testing.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar engineering degree
• Hold 10+ years of relevant experience in rocket propulsion system development, with 5+ years in cryogenic systems (Methane and LOX preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers in a multi-year project, driving propulsion system development and test
• Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems
• Successful experience in a role requiring people leadership skills
• Experience in propulsion system design, analysis, manufacture, integration, and test
• Ability to take ownership of and prioritize tasks for a team supporting multiple projects
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preffered Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of propulsion system cycles and performing system-level engine modeling
• Proficient in fluid/thermal software for rocket engine development (e.g. GFSSP, ROCETS, RTE, RPA) and for system level modeling (Amesim or Thermal Desktop)
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS Fluent or CFX preferred)
• Experience leveraging additive manufacturing in engine design
• Analytical/scientific programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab)
• Experience with advanced rocket engine designs and concepts, especially RDRE’s
• Experience with rocket turbopumps
• Experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, requirements, and/or qualification testing

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

California pay range

$160,000—$240,000 USD