
Propulsion Engineering Manager
1w1 week agoCastelion
Torrance, US · Full-time · $190,000 – $260,000
About this role
Castelion is redefining defense development through rapid iteration, aggressive testing, and modern commercial manufacturing at scale. The Manager, Propulsion Engineering plays a central role in delivering high-performance rocket motor systems at speed and scale. This position combines deep technical expertise in solid propulsion with strong engineering leadership, guiding a team for design, development, and production.
This leader owns technical direction and team execution, ensuring designs are robust, manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with aggressive timelines. They drive motor design decisions, oversee CAD models compliant with ASME Y14.5 GD&T, and guide rapid iteration through testing. Partnership with supply chain mitigates risks from material availability and production constraints.
Build and scale a high-performing propulsion engineering team while establishing a culture of ownership, accountability, and execution. Mentor engineers across levels to foster technical depth and independent decision-making. Act as the go-to decision-maker, providing clear direction in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
Communicate effectively with customers, leadership, cross-functional teams, and government stakeholders. Stay hands-on with hardware through assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting. Lead trade studies, failure investigations, and program reviews to enable fast design evolution and decisive advantage.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in aerospace, mechanical, materials, manufacturing engineering, physics, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in propulsion, mechanical systems, or fluids design, analysis, or testing
- Demonstrated experience in rocket motors or propulsion systems
- Proven ability to lead projects or small teams in a technical environment
- Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures, propulsion components, and interfaces
- Drive motor design and propellant-related decisions, ensuring performance, safety, manufacturability, and cost targets are met
- Translate program objectives into scalable, production-ready designs aligned with speed and affordability goals
- Oversee CAD models and drawings, ensuring compliance with internal standards and ASME Y14.5 GD&T practices
- Build, lead, and scale a high-performing propulsion engineering team
- Mentor engineers across experience levels, fostering technical depth and independent decision-making
- Communicate effectively with customers, leadership, cross-functional teams, and government stakeholders
- Stay close to the hardware by supporting assembly, integration, testing, and troubleshooting
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