Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer - SETA

1w1 week ago

Amentum

Arlington, US · Full-time · $175,000 – $195,000

About this role

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to top U.S. government agencies including DARPA, NASA, and the intelligence community. The role supports DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced R&D programs to the U.S. military, focusing on spacecraft propulsion. This full-time position is based in Arlington, VA, with remote work opportunities.

Serve as primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, leadership, performers, and integrated product teams across industry, academia, and government. Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in spacecraft propulsion. Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies, system designs, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses.

Work effectively in a dynamic environment with teammates, customers, and stakeholders on testing efforts, technical interchange meetings, and design reviews. Identify and translate requirements into R&D objectives while authoring program briefings and technical reports. Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Support program management, acquisition, and new concept implementation to advance military capabilities. Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion technologies like chemical, electrical, or nuclear systems. Join a team driving practical solutions and risk mitigation in high-stakes defense programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and minimum of 7 years of experience
Demonstrated experience in spacecraft propulsion design (chemical, electrical, or nuclear) for commercial or defense-related programs
Demonstrated technical leadership experience
Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment while working effectively with a team
Familiarity with classical systems engineering processes and procedures
Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues
Self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team
Active US Government TS/SCI Clearance (US Citizenship required)

Responsibilities

Serve as primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, leadership, performers, integrated product teams, and R&D communities
Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in spacecraft propulsion
Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including trade studies and cost-benefit analyses
Provide support in identifying and implementing new program concepts
Support testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with stakeholders
Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives
Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews
Author program briefings and technical reports