Staff Propulsion Engineer

Description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

This is an onsite role based in Durango, Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life, with access to world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. 

Agile is seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer who will lead the design, development, and optimization of propulsion components and systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive Agile’s propulsion devices from concept through production. The ideal candidate for this role will also be able to interpret hot-fire test data and drive design modification as well as provide technical guidance to junior engineers on sound design practices. Agile follows a fast-paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence as a technical leader. Critical skillsets being sought after are expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, rocket propulsion, spacecraft system architecture.  

Responsibilities: 

• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support.
• Lead the design and development of liquid propulsion systems and combustion devices, including engines, injectors, chambers, and propellant feed systems.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to Agile’s long-term propulsion technology roadmap.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation, requirements, specifications, and major design review packages (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Collaborate closely with structures, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to drive integrated solutions.
• Support hot-fire test campaigns, including planning, execution, data analysis, and design iteration.
• Perform system-level trade studies, performance modeling, and design optimization focused on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and thermal stability.

Requirements

 Staff Level 

• B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 12+ years of experience developing propulsion systems or related aerospace hardware.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion.
• Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.
• Experience supporting propulsion testing and interpreting test data.
• Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to own hardware development from concept through testing.

 Senior Staff Level 

• All qualifications listed above, plus:
• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex propulsion development efforts.
• Experience leading propulsion architecture trades and major design decisions.
• Proven track record delivering propulsion hardware through qualification and production.
• Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical work products.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams through technical challenges and ambiguity.

Principal Level 

• All qualifications listed above, plus:
• Recognized subject matter expertise in propulsion system design and development.
• Experience defining propulsion technology roadmaps, system architectures, or strategic technical direction.
• Proven record of leading large-scale propulsion programs or highly complex technical efforts.
• Ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor senior engineers.
• Experience serving as a primary technical authority during customer engagements and major design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems.  
• Familiarity with CFD, FEA, and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink) to understand analysis results. 
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, machining, and casting  
• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense). 
• Knowledge of combustion instabilities. 
• Prior technical leadership, project ownership and/or people management experience. 

This position is open across multiple levels (Staff, Senior Staff, & Principal). Final leveling will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and overall qualifications during the interview process. 

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type: Exempt 

Work Schedule: Full-Time 

Relocation Stipend 

Salary: The expected salary range for this role is $144,000 – $200,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end. The posted salary band reflects the compensation range for candidates located in Colorado, in compliance with Colorado state law. If you are located in another state, please contact HR to inquire about the applicable compensation band, as requirements may vary by jurisdiction.  

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period. 

 Onsite #LI-Onsite 

What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [email protected].

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.