Propulsion Engineer

1w1 week ago

Peraton

Huntsville, US · Full-time · $112,000 – $179,000

About this role

The Propulsion Engineer provides technical intelligence analysis and engineering expertise on foreign missile, rocket, and space-launch propulsion systems. The role evaluates propulsion technologies, performance characteristics, development trends, and operational implications of adversary and emerging systems. This work supports national-level intelligence assessments, defense planning, and strategic decision-making.

Day-to-day tasks include analyzing foreign missile and space propulsion systems, such as solid, liquid, hybrid, and advanced concepts like dual-pulse motors and throttleable engines. Assess propulsion system design, materials, manufacturing methods, performance parameters, and failure modes using all-source intelligence. Conduct technical evaluations of thrust, specific impulse, burn profiles, staging, propellants, and engine cycles to determine capabilities and limitations.

Support development of missile performance models, trajectory analyses, and propulsion trade studies. Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and engineers across MSIC, DIA, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Community partners. Provide written intelligence products, briefings, and technical reports for senior DoD, IC, and national leadership.

Identify and assess foreign technological advancements, R&D trends, and potential future propulsion capabilities. Participate in red-team analyses, counterproliferation assessments, peer reviews, and methodology development for propulsion intelligence analysis. Brief technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, or related discipline
Strong foundational knowledge of rocket propulsion theory and systems engineering
Experience with missile, rocket, or space-launch vehicle propulsion systems, gained through government, industry, academia, or intelligence analysis
Ability to analyze complex technical data and translate findings into clear, concise intelligence judgments
Strong written and oral communication skills
Active TS/SCI with the ability to sit and pass a polygraph

Responsibilities

Analyze foreign missile and space propulsion systems, including solid, liquid, hybrid, and advanced propulsion concepts (e.g., dual-pulse motors, throttleable engines, staged combustion, boost-glide propulsion)
Assess propulsion system design, materials, manufacturing methods, performance parameters, and failure modes based on all-source intelligence
Conduct technical evaluations of thrust, specific impulse, burn profiles, staging, propellants, and engine cycles to determine system capabilities and limitations
Support development of missile performance models, trajectory analyses, and propulsion trade studies
Identify and assess foreign technological advancements, R&D trends, and potential future propulsion capabilities
Provide written intelligence products, including intelligence assessments, briefings, and technical reports for senior DoD, IC, and national leadership
Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and engineers across MSIC, DIA, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Community partners
Brief technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences