Senior Propulsion Engineer (Step II)
The Senior Propulsion Engineer (Step II) is accountable for the execution, quality, and on-schedule delivery of engineering work products — including CAD designs, manufacturing drawings, configuration-controlled documentation, analysis reports, and test artifacts — across the full lifecycle of Rubicon’s thruster and propulsion system programs.
In this role, you will operate with a high degree of independence on both routine and non-routine technical tasks, applying standard methodologies as well as sound engineering judgment where established approaches do not directly apply. You will contribute to plans and work instructions, lead the preparation of design and analysis deliverables, and actively advance program objectives from concept through flight.
The ideal candidate is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Rubicon Space Systems values individuals who act with integrity, step up where needed, and pursue continuous professional development.
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Develop and maintain CAD models and produce manufacturing drawings to support design, fabrication, and inspection activities.
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Perform primary and secondary structural analysis of propulsion systems using quasistatic, modal, random vibration, and sine sweep methods, ranging from baseline assessments to advanced evaluations.
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Validate thruster and propulsion system hardware through design, analysis, inspection, and test, applying the most appropriate engineering methods for each application.
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Communicate design and analysis results and engineering recommendations clearly to internal stakeholders and external customers or partners.
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Contribute to the strategic vision and execution roadmap for advancing Rubicon’s ASCENTbased propulsion technology and establishing the company as a leader in its infusion and application.
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Support development of plans and schedules aligned with project and program milestone objectives, and implementation of those plans and schedules into actions.
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Actively integrate feedback, mentorship, and coaching from senior team members into daily practice, and model that same investment for less experienced engineers.
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Apply knowledge of applicable government and consensus technical standards, and exercise sound judgment in tailoring their requirements appropriately for specific programs and mission contexts.
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Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering with 5+ years of postdegree experience in space hardware design and analysis.
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Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with demonstrated ability to work through both structured and ambiguous technical problems.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical content clearly to diverse audiences.
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Effective time management and organizational skills in a deadlinedriven environment.
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Familiarity with requirements development and requirements flowdown processes.
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Proven ability to work effectively in dynamic, crossfunctional team environments with a selfdirected work style.
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Ability to build trust and maintain positive, professional working relationships across the organization.
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Experience developing work orders and test procedures.
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Proficiency in CAD tools for part and assembly design and drawing production (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent).
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Working familiarity with MS Office products, MATLAB, LabVIEW, LLM tools, and Python.
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Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering with 3+ years of relevant postdegree experience.
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Handson experience with spacecraft propulsion, thermal, structural, electrical, or systems engineering programs.
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Familiarity with manufacturing and assembly processes, including brazing, welding, bonding, traditional machining, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
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Experience with environmental test programs, including procedure development, test execution, and posttest data reduction.
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Proficiency in SolidWorks, LabVIEW, Python, ANSYS, and LLM tools.
At Plasma Processes, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Plasma Processes also provides eligible employees with a variety of benefit programs, including health, dental & vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans with a company match, life and disability insurance programs.
Plasma Processes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
