Propulsion Engineer, Sr Staff
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 9, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 8, 2026. Lockheed Martin scores A on the Alion truth index.
Standard Job Description
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) is one of four Lockheed Martin business areas.
We are seeking to hire an Aeronautical / Propulsion Engineer for the Propulsion team working 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.
What You Will Be Doing:
As the Aeronautical / Propulsion Engineer you will be responsible for leading 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:
- Individual will be expected to manage Propulsion Integrated Product Team (IPT) with minimal guidance or oversight on daily activities. Individual will be expected to oversee propulsion programmatic and technical planning/execution, program risk management, and program scheduling. Individual will be the primary line of communication between the LM MFC Missile team and the Propulsion Supplier. Individual will also be responsible for ensuring a technical rigor and maturity of the propulsion system, acting in concert with Propulsion Supplier Chief Engineer and Government Propulsion Leads.
- 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.
- Lead 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.
- Mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative, solution focused culture.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) with at least 8 years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion
- Individual must be well versed in Solid Rocket Motor Design and mechanics, with specialties in either non-traditional air breathing propulsion (Ramjet, Scramjet, Rotating Detonation Engines) or SRM propulsion
- Experience engaging Propulsion Integrated Product Team (IPT) with minimal guidance or oversight on daily activities
- Experience in overseeing propulsion programmatic and technical planning/execution, program risk management, and program scheduling
- Competence in manufacturing execution systems, work-instruction management, and change control documentation
- Familiar with basic chemistry and physics with ability to learn and master advanced topics such as polymer chemistry, thermochemistry, rheology, thermodynamics, ballistics, etc.
- Ability to read and understand technical data sheets and drawings
- Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams - Full Lifecycle Development Experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs
- Familiarity with statistical process controls, design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis techniques
- Knowledge of nondestructive evaluation methods (radiographic inspection, ultrasonic, etc.)
- Knowledge of turbojet propulsion system, testing methods and ability to critically analyze testing data
- Strong communication skills (both oral and written)
- Ability to obtain government issued Security Clearance (US Citizenship Required)
- Candidate is expected to spend greater than 50% of time on travel, co-located with Propulsion Supplier(s)
Desired Skills
- Proposal Development Experience; Basis of Estimate (BOE) Development experience
- Experience with design, build and full rate production of propulsion systems
- Previous experience working with suppliers and contractors
- Master's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program)
- 12+ years of experience in the field of tactical missile propulsion
- Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $129000.00 - $239600.00
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.