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Sr. Lead Propulsion Engineer

Huntsville, Alabama

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Overview

General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.

Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.

  • Schedule: Full-Time Salary

  • Job Level: Mid-Level (3-7 years)

  • Travel: 0 - 25

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Success Profile

What makes a successful Sr. Lead Propulsion Engineer at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.

  • Analytical
  • Collaborative
  • Inventive
  • Problem Solver
  • Team Player
  • Creative

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Job ID 50000BR Company General Atomics Experience Level Mid-Level (3-7 years) Job Title Sr. Lead Propulsion Engineer City Huntsville State Alabama Workstyle Onsite Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Salary Salary Range $98,100 - $171,398

Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is re-defining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.

We have an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Propulsion Engineer to join our team in Englewood, CO. The Sr. Lead Propulsion Engineer will support the development of satellite systems and be responsible for creating technical solutions aligned with the Division's long-term objectives, while also serving as a mentor and thought leader for our growing team of engineers.

This Propulsion Engineer will support all phases of assigned engineering programs from inception through completion. The successful candidate will be able to navigate disciplines outside of propulsion engineering and must collaborate effectively with technical staff, program managers and engineering management. Strong and confident decision-making ability is essential.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ability to design spacecraft, aerospace or mechanical components including mechanical drafting, design and modeling experience with focus on space propulsion systems with adjacent understanding of engineering disciplines including electrical and software engineering.
  • Analysis, design, production, test and integration of electric, gas, and liquid propulsion monopropellant and bi-propellant components/subassemblies into propulsion subsystems.
  • Understanding and selection of components for propulsion systems: thrusters, valves, pumps, tanks, filters, etc.
  • Leverage mechanical engineering background within the fundamental areas by designed aerospace vehicle structures and spacecraft.
  • Integration of mechanical systems including space electronics, power, thermal, space propulsion, and mechanisms.
  • Ability to work thru all phases of design, analysis, build, test, integration and launch of a system.
  • SOW writing and vendor oversight of propulsion hardware.
  • Test plan writing and execution
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Experience in spacecraft propulsion system layout design, integration, and test into spacecraft, system analysis, and system testing.
  • Propulsion hot fire test experience is desirable.
  • Candidate brings strong mix of systems engineering, supplier management, and experience in make/buy decisions related to space propulsion systems required.
  • Familiarity with electric ion propulsion and Hall Effect thrusters desirable.
  • Experience with space propulsion components such as propellant tanks, manifolds, regulators, valves are desirable. Familiarity with orbital station-keeping, space environments, and orbital achievement desirable.
  • Familiarity with Space Nuclear Propulsion is a plus.
  • Experience with CAD, drafting and FEA software such as Solidworks, NASTRAN or ANSYS is desired Including PDM/Windchill and mechanical engineering standards. Experience with Multiphysics software such as COMSOL a plus. Familiarity with propulsion standards, processes, and tools required. Working knowledge of tools for program and numerically computing; anlayzing data, developing algorithms and creating models using tools like MATLAB/Simulink desired.
  • Experience in fluid modeling of propulsion systems, including plume impingement, waterhammer, and pressure drop analyses.
  • Experience with applicable standards related to propulsion subsystem design and margining approaches.
  • Ability to specify/identify appropriate materials, surface treatments and finishes for mechanical component design in space applications.
  • Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, and test requirements is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and operations.
  • Familiarity with primary and secondary space structural systems
  • Ability to work within and lead within a multidisciplinary team environment is required.
  • Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Strong communication, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface within departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI Clearance is required.

Salary:$98,100 - $171,398
Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25 Relocation Assistance Provided Provided US Citizenship Required? Yes Clearance Required? Desired Clearance Level Mid-Level (3-7 years)
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Benefits

  • Healthcare

  • Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans

  • Competitive Pay

  • Multiple product lines means a variety of work

  • Paid Time Off

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Image of Peter, Senior Staff Engineer
“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”
– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer
Image of Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer
“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”
– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer
Image of Scott, Laser Scientist
“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”
– Scott, Laser Scientist
Image of John, Staff Engineer
“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”
– John, Staff Engineer

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