Principal Propulsion Engineer (Liquid Rocket Engine Assembly RE)

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 delivers 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 Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine assemblies. 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.

What You'll Get To Do

• 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
• Own the entire lifecycle of an engine assembly: combustor, thrust take-out structure, gimbal system, possibly pump and possibly hot gas turbine, flow control devices, etc.
• Mentoring younger team members to increase their experience of the team in headquarters

What You Have

• 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

What Will Set You Apart

• Master’s, PhD 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
• Responsible engineer experience in hotfire testing of liquid rocket engine assemblies, especially those that have gone wrong.