Sr Propulsion Engineer

Our client is an innovative aerospace engineering and technology company specializing in the development of advanced flight systems, launch vehicles, spacecraft, and next-generation propulsion technologies. Their multidisciplinary teams support cutting-edge government and commercial aerospace programs, delivering innovative solutions from concept development through testing and operational deployment.

Overview

TRC Talent Solutions is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer for a full-time opportunity based in Atlanta, Georgia. This position offers the opportunity to work on advanced aerospace propulsion systems, supporting the design, development, testing, and evaluation of technologies ranging from liquid rocket engines and reaction devices to hypersonic propulsion concepts.

The ideal candidate will bring strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on development experience, and the ability to contribute across the entire product lifecycle, from conceptual design studies through hardware integration, testing, and customer engagement.

Summary

The Senior Propulsion Engineer will work within a small, highly collaborative team responsible for developing and evaluating advanced propulsion systems for aerospace applications. This role combines analytical engineering work with hands-on hardware support, providing opportunities to contribute to propulsion architecture development, thermal analysis, component design, testing activities, and system integration efforts.

The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in propulsion physics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer, along with the flexibility to transition seamlessly between modeling and simulation activities and direct support of hardware development and testing programs.

Responsibilities
Conduct conceptual and advanced propulsion design studies, including cycle analysis, performance trades, and system architecture evaluations.
Support propulsion system development across the full lifecycle, from concept maturation through hardware fabrication and testing.
Design, analyze, and evaluate propulsion system components, including thrust chambers, ignition systems, valves, insulation, seals, and associated hardware.
Develop and maintain thermal models for vehicle and subsystem applications, capturing external heating environments, structural heat transfer, and internal thermal responses.
Support mechanical, electrical, and fluid system integration activities for propulsion systems, propellant tanks, and pressurization systems.
Perform propulsion performance analyses and validate models using test and experimental data.
Participate in ground test planning, procedure development, execution, troubleshooting, and post-test data analysis.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting structures, aerodynamics, fluids, controls, and systems engineering disciplines.
Communicate technical information effectively with customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Prepare and deliver technical presentations and program status briefings to commercial and U.S. government customers.
Support trade studies, risk assessments, and technology maturation efforts for advanced aerospace propulsion concepts.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience supporting launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, or aircraft systems.
Strong understanding of:
Propulsion systems
Fluid mechanics
Thermodynamics
Heat transfer
Combustion fundamentals
Interest in developing and supporting a variety of propulsion technologies, including:
Liquid rocket engines
Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines (RDREs)
Cold gas propulsion systems
Turboramjets
Scramjets
Demonstrated technical leadership and innovative problem-solving abilities.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary small-business environment.
Experience with CAD platforms such as:
SolidWorks
Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
CATIA
PTC Creo
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Must be eligible to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Hands-on experience with liquid rocket engine integration, development, and testing.
Experience supporting advanced propulsion concepts, including RDREs, rockets, scramjets, cold gas thrusters, and air-breathing propulsion systems.
Understanding of dynamic aerospace environments, including shock, vibration, and acoustic loading conditions.
Experience designing systems compatible with cryogenic and non-cryogenic fluids.
Knowledge of tube and piping system routing, design, and flexibility analysis.
Experience using transient fluid network modeling tools such as:
GFSSP
ROCETS
Programming and modeling experience using:
Python
MATLAB
C/C++
Fortran
Familiarity with aerospace fluid system components, including regulators, valves, fittings, and pressure control devices.
Experience working with instrumentation and measurement systems such as:
Thermocouples
RTDs
Pressure transducers
Strain gauges
Knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
Desire and aptitude to lead teams and mentor developing engineers.

TRC Talent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity, innovation, and respect for all employees and applicants.