E01-M01 Senior Propulsion Engineer

E01-M01 Senior Propulsion Engineer

Dayton, OH

EXPANSIA – Air Force/Space Force BU /

Full Time /

On-site

Start Date: Immediate 

JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.  

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. 

OVERVIEW 

Full-time/Permanent Employee  
Location: Dayton, OH (Travel: Up to 30% within continental United States) 

Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles.  

The selected candidate will be responsible for addressing customer inquiries related to propulsion systems, including liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to formally respond to these inquiries through technical reports based on professional experience, background research, professional propulsion databases, rudimentary design analyses, and other technical resources.  

The candidate must be able to work autonomously with minimal guidance. On occasion, the candidate will also be expected to contribute to collaborative technical reporting for our customers. 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Active TS/SCI Clearance 
Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university and 5+ years of demonstrable experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems or fluid mechanical systems.

• Formal education or training in the following propulsion-related topics:  

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    Thermodynamics, with an emphasis on thermal and chemical equilibrium  
    
    
  
  
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    Stoichiometry  
    
    
  
  
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    Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) compressible flow  
    
    
  
  
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    Basic rocket nozzle design theory  
    
    
  
  
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    Structural mechanics 
    
    
  
  
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    Classical mechanic
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Demonstrable proficiency in scientific computing for mechanical or aerospace engineering analyses using one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Python, MATLAB). 

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

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  Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, with an emphasis on chemical rocket propulsion.  
  
  

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  Recent TS/SCI eligibility.  
  
  

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  Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems, with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors.  
  
  

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  Professional experience utilizing propulsion databases maintained by JANNAF.  
  
  

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  Proven capability using engineering software to analyze the performance of chemical propellants (e.g., NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)).  
  
  

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  Professional experience applying the following propulsion and fluid mechanics topics:  
  
  

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    Fluid measurement instrumentation (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples)  
    
    
  
  
  
  

• Combustion of liquid and solid propellants  

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  Performance analysis of chemical propellants  
  
  

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  For solid rocket motors: igniter design, propellant grain design, and structural analysis of propellant grains and rocket cases  
  
  

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  For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed systems, coolant systems, and identification and management of pressure losses  
  
  

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  Professional experience collaborating with other engineers to assess total vehicle performance with respect to each subsystem. 
  
  

$90,282 - $109,479 a year

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility Aether Aerospace allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our unique mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. Employment benefits include health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave and retirement and savings.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.