Senior Propulsion Engineer

1w1 week ago

Castelion

Rio Rancho, US · Full-time · $140,000 – $180,000

About this role

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production, focusing on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. The company designs, builds, and tests next-generation long-range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge. The Senior Propulsion Engineer designs solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures along with propulsion components, emphasizing schedule, affordability, and scale.

Translate project objectives into cost-effective designs that can be produced at scale the Castelion way. Spearhead the creation of innovative solid rocket motor designs, demonstrating autonomy even with limited expert guidance. Actively engage in the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototypes and production builds, providing expert guidance as necessary.

Use rapid iteration cycles to validate product performance and facilitate necessary design adjustments. Produce, evaluate, and authorize CAD models and drawings adhering to internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009 guidelines. Collaborate with supply chain to ensure seamless support and adapt designs to mitigate availability risks and time delays.

Provide thorough assessments and resolutions for any discrepancies in hardware, including supporting analyses when required. Work in a fast-paced environment supporting rapid product development for high-rate production. Demonstrate bias to action and creative problem solving by questioning assumptions and implementing breakthrough ideas.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or physics
5+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team, university rocketry club and internship experience counts)
Proficient in test methods/setups, with the ability to conduct trade studies using engineering fundamentals
Extensive experience working with aerospace materials (including metals, plastics, and composites) and understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components
Skilled in CAD software (NX 8.5 or similar packages like PTC Creo, CATIA) with expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994
Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces, including knowledge of insensitive munitions protocols
Willing and able to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notification to meet critical deadlines
Able to travel up to 30% on an ongoing basis

Responsibilities

Translate project objectives into cost-effective designs that can be produced at scale the Castelion way
Spearhead the creation of innovative solid rocket motor designs, demonstrating autonomy even with limited expert guidance
Actively engage in the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototypes and production builds, providing expert guidance as necessary
Use rapid iteration cycles to validate product performance and facilitate necessary design adjustments
Produce, evaluate, and authorize CAD models and drawings, adhering to internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009 guidelines
Provide thorough assessments and resolutions for any discrepancies in hardware, including supporting analyses when required
Collaborate with supply chain to ensure seamless support and adapt designs to mitigate availability risks and time delays