Principal Propulsion Engineer

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Principal Propulsion Engineer

As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine assemblies and/or Propellant & Pressure Management (PPMS) systems. You will be responsible for taking designs from concepts to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion piece parts and assemblies

Generate CAD models of components and engine systems

Fluid network modeling, analysis and design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, identify COTS components for fluid systems, work with suppliers to source components.

Generate P&ID’s of engine systems

Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results

Systems engineering experience focusing on generating engine balances, engine sizing and requirements, technical understanding of various engine cycles, and trading cycle efficiencies of various engine cycles

Use engine P&IDs to generate fully detailed CAD models of engine assemblies

Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks

Design and analyze tanks and supporting tank structures and PPMS

Work with vehicle engineering and test teams to satisfy engine systems design requirements and communicate engine systems test requirements

Work with outside vendors and in-house procurement team to select and source components for engine and PPMS systems

10+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Systems engineering and operational experience

Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams

Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads

Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications

The ideal candidate will be a multi-disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design and analysis, engine testing and hot-fire data analysis, hands-on experience with assembling and testing propulsion systems, generating complex CAD models and designing for manufacturing (DFM), including excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

5+ years of CAD experience, particularly working with large assemblies

Experience in some of the design and analysis tools such as NX / SolidWorks, ANSYS mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, GFSSP, Microsoft Visio

Strong communication skills to effectively work in a hybrid in-person/remote work environment

Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Experience with RDREs or RDEs

Project management/leadership

Familiarity with Agile methods

Strong background in systems engineering for engine or PPMS systems

Engine and/or engine component testing

Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA STD-5012, AIAA S-080A-2018

Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing