Propulsion Engineer

Standard Job Description

You will be the Propulsion Engineer for the Propulsion team working on a new development program. Our team delivers breakthrough missile propulsion solutions, driving the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of solid rocket motors that power today’s most demanding aerospace missions.

As the Propulsion Engineer you will be responsible for technical oversight of a key supplier, accelerating rapid development cycles, and ensuring our motors and engines meet performance, safety, and schedule goals. You’ll work cross-functionally with missile IPTs, test engineers, and production to translate system requirements into flight-ready hardware. Your responsibilities will include:

• Define and refine product specifications and statements of requirements for new and existing motors and engines.
• Generate performance predictions and validate them against system-level IPT models.
• Develop, review, and execute comprehensive test plans, overseeing supplier-level and system-level testing.
• Participate in weekly working group meetings with motor suppliers, capturing action items and driving resolutions.
• Present motor status updates at internal briefings and formal customer program reviews.
• Coordinate interface development with product design, analysis groups, materials, and production operations.
• Manage engineering drawings and documentation releases through PLM, ensuring configuration control.
• Perform design trade studies, risk assessments, and failure mode analyses to mitigate technical risk.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar major) AND 0-2 years of post-grad relevant work experience OR Pursuing your Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar major).
• Individual is familiar with Propulsion Design concepts and mechanics. This may include specialties in non-traditional air-breathing propulsion (Ramjet, Scramjet, Rotating Detonation Engines, Turbojet, or similar propulsion concepts/technologies).
• Ability to read and understand technical data sheets and drawings. This may include engineering drawings, technical documentation, GD&T or similar skills.
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain government-issued security clearance.
• Candidate is expected to spend greater than 50% of time on travel, co-located with Propulsion Supplier(s).

Desired Skills

• Master's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) or Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion
• Experience with design and build of propulsion systems
• Knowledge of nondestructive evaluation methods (radiographic inspection, ultrasonic, etc.)
• Familiarity with statistical process controls, design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis techniques.
• Familiar with basic chemistry and/or physics with the ability to learn and master advanced topics such as polymer chemistry, thermochemistry, rheology, thermodynamics, ballistics, etc.
• Proposal Development Experience; Basis of Estimate (BOE) Development
• Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams - Full Lifecycle Development Experience.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $70500.00 - $130900.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.