ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0. 

Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.

Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.

Lead Propulsion Engineer

ABL's Lead Propulsion Engineers own components and fluid systems throughout ABL's engines. They lead a team of engineers who work closely with a wide range of teams across ABL, including other hardware owners, stage systems, avionics, and instrumentation engineering, to deliver complex components and systems. Lead Propulsion Engineers own both the design and analysis sides of components and engine assemblies driving designs through development into production. They work closely with build and test engineers to ensure quality of design, ease of maintenance, and validation of designs through test. Strong Lead Propulsion Engineers apply as hands on methodical approach to problem solving and have exceptional fluid system and mechanical fundamentals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform fluid component or system sizing analysis. Determine and develop components or hardware that meet system requirements, including fluidic passage sizing, material selection, and interfaces.
• Design clean-sheet CAD models and drawings to manufacture both tooling and flight hardware.
• Perform component-level structural and thermal analysis to validate component design.
• Generate development and production manufacturing methodologies and lead initial development builds.
• Design range of pressurized and unpressurized structures, and highly complex, integrated component assemblies.
• Perform combined loads analysis to determine component and interface loads.
• Responsible for development and/or qualification tests through component or engine lifecycle.
• Trade hardware implementation and/or system architecture options.
• Implement learnings from builds into design upgrades, incorporating production feedback.
• Translate system schematics into fleshed out 3D models in CAD, considering manufacturing, integration, test, and operational constraints.
• Mentor other engineers on the team. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4+ years of industry experience in a design or development role.
• B.S. In a relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 6+ years of industry experience in a role designing and developing complex integrated hardware assemblies.
• Ability to quickly apply first-order principles to predict and interpret system behavior.
• Strong understanding of compressible and incompressible flow fundamentals.
• Proficient with CAD software such as NX, Catia, or Creo.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Proficient with FEA tools such as ANSYS and FEMAP.
• Hands-on end-to-end project experience building complex components and/or assemblies.
• Ability to assess technical requirements from component owners, stage systems engineers, and other domains.
• Ability to drive multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced engineering environment with limited guidance.
• Experience developing automated workflows and processes to improve team efficiency and product throughput. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to life 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments.
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.