Be an Early Applicant
CesiumAstro creates out-of-the-box communication systems for space and airborne platforms.
The Role
Lead design, development, analysis, and testing of liquid rocket engine hardware and propulsion subsystems. Design parts (gimbals, bellows, pipelines), own requirements and system integration, perform CFD/FEA, develop and run test programs, generate technical documentation, and collaborate with mechanical, aerospace, and controls teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.
Summary Generated by Built In
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer I to lead the design, development, analysis, and testing of critical liquid rocket engine hardware and propulsion subsystems. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex flight hardware from concept development through qualification and flight readiness.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop a variety of liquid rocket engine parts, including loading frames, gimbals, bellows units, and pipelines. Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
- Own requirements definition, architecture trades, and system-level integration for assigned subsystems.
- Generate technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and contributions to PDRs and CDRs.
- Perform CFD and FEA analyses to evaluate performance parameters such as pressure drops and hydraulic characteristics and mechanical integrity under operating conditions.
- Develop and execute test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply findings to optimize designs.
- Collaborate across mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test.
- Hands-on proficiency in CAD tools (Siemens NX, SolidWorks).
- Demonstrated expertise in structural or mechanical design for flight hardware.
- Experience in early-stage vehicle architecture and design trades.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Prior experience designing a variety of liquid rocket engine parts, including loading frames, gimbals, bellows units, and pipelines.
- Practical experience in test bench setup and performance diagnostics.
- Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom).
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices.
- Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment.
- Experience with tools such as ANSYS and MATLAB
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Skills Required
- U.S. person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee) or eligibility to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 4+ years of experience with mechanical design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test
- Hands-on proficiency in CAD tools (Siemens NX, SolidWorks)
- Demonstrated expertise in structural or mechanical design for flight hardware
- Experience in early-stage vehicle architecture and design trades
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to take responsibility, work independently, and be transparent about work
- Experience performing CFD and FEA analyses
- Practical experience in test bench setup and performance diagnostics
- Hands-on multi-disciplinary engineering (computer to wrench to broom)
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Familiarity with aerospace safety and reliability practices
- Experience in a start-up or rapid development environment
- Experience with tools such as ANSYS and MATLAB
CesiumAstro Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CesiumAstro and has not been reviewed or approved by CesiumAstro.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus FSAs and mental health benefits. Feedback suggests the health package is comprehensive for a growth-stage aerospace firm.
-
Retirement Support — Offerings include a 401(k) with company matching and other retirement-plan elements. Feedback suggests core retirement mechanisms are in place alongside standard financial benefits.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, paid holidays, paid sick days, and bereavement leave are included. Feedback suggests time-off options are broad on paper across multiple leave types.
CesiumAstro Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
We build high-throughput, plug-and-play phased array communication payloads for space and airborne platforms. CesiumAstro’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software products enable a diverse range of commercial and defense objectives. Full-system engineering design is at the heart of every CesiumAstro product. We deliver high-performance solutions under rapid development timelines.
Why Work With Us
At CesiumAstro, we’re a team. We’re passionate, respectful, and determined colleagues ready to help at a moment’s notice. We’re mentors excited to enable our peers with the knowledge they need to succeed. Together, we’re visionaries committing to building memories that will last a lifetime.
Gallery
