Lead Propulsion Development Engineer

EXOS Aerospace Systems & Technologies, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of reusable space vehicles. Our goal is to remove the commercial barriers to space by providing frequent and affordable launch opportunities to space.
 
As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team, you will push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical research, space education, and space manufacturing! This position demands a strong and capable self-starter who can meet aggressive goals and schedules in a dynamic environment. This position requires considerable judgment and latitude in performing job duties and is expected to function effectively with minimal supervision. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.
 
 EXOS Aerospace is rapidly expanding to meet the global demand for our commercial reusable launch service. Our Greenville facility is seeking passionate, highly-skilled individuals who are comfortable working in a dynamic, technically-challenging environment where they will be given ownership of processes from start to finish. We believe that the strengths of our team has been the cornerstone of our success and will be essential to long-term growth as we redefine how the world accesses space.

LEAD PROPULSION DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER:

As a lead Propulsion Development Engineer you will oversee all work on a new pump driven liquid fueled rocket engine.  Your responsibilities will include the design, development, and qualification program for first and second stage engines of a new orbital vehicle, taking the technology from initial concept to flight. In this role you will utilize a strong technical knowledge of the full propulsion system, as well as your ability to lead and direct a wider team of specialists in the various sub-systems of pump and combustion chamber design, analysis, manufacture and test. You will ensure that propulsion systems are developed with aggressive manufacturing goals, minimum cost/weight, and on an aggressive schedule. 
 RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Lead the design tradeoff studies, work assignments, sub-contractor tasks and construction of an advanced propulsion system for our reusable rocket
  • Establish the working space for competing designs between multiple pump technologies, combustion chamber, and injector topologies
  • Lead in the selection of competing manufacturing concepts for the propulsion components.
  • Perform and/or supervise the aero/hydro sizing and flow path design and analysis work for the propulsion system
  • Ensure that detailed mechanical analysis is performed on all the propulsion components/systems, and confirm that they meet the required standards for life and reliability targets
  • Work with other engineers to ensure rotor-dynamics/bearings and other mechanical elements (seals etc.) are correctly defined and implemented in the design review or perform analysis as needed
  • Work with designers to prepare accurate and correct models and drawings for propulsion system assembly and components, and ensure that these drawings are correct and able to be manufactured with the available processes (or develop process to enable them)
  • Ensure that detailed layouts and stack-ups are performed to ensure all the correct build clearances and fits are set such that the propulsion system can be assembled and run correctly
  • Work with build engineers to ensure the system and key sub-assemblies are manufactured correctly and efficiently
  • Work with teams developing other systems on the engine (combustion devices, valves, etc.) to ensure that the propulsion system design is optimally integrated and that risks are minimized across the engine
  • Support both component and assembly testing of the propulsions system
  • Define or lead the definition of test configurations, test process/execution, and review the results
  • Direct the resolution of issues encountered with the propulsion system during development/qualification testing
  • Analyze and direct ongoing design improvements to the propulsion system assemblies and/or sub systems including manufacturing improvements to reduce cost and lead time of components
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 7+ years of professional experience related to pump, turbomachinery or rocket engine development
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 
  • PhD degree in a related engineering discipline, certified engineer
  • Expert in propulsion system design (aero/hydro, CFD, stress analysis, HCF, LCF)
  • Extensive experience with propulsion system hardware build
  • Extensive experience with propulsion system manufacturing and design for manufacturability
  • Experience with propulsion system testing and engine testing
  • Extensive understanding of thermodynamics, compressible and incompressible flow, thermochemistry mechanics and/or materials
  • Professional experience using Solidworks or similar CAD system strongly preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD and FEA systems required
  • Great attitude in the face of extreme challenges
  • Experience with lean engineering concepts and in a highly technical leadership position that requires unconventional methods to accomplish tasks with tight time or budget constraints
  • Demonstrated track record of excellent academic and professional achievement
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Willingness to travel in support of launching and testing of hardware
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical or timing issues
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), and eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
EXOS Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with our company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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