Tagged: spacecraft, design, cryogenic, launch vehicles, fluids, Austin, regulators, liquid oxygen, Propulsion Development, FEA, CAD, valves, fluid systems, dfM, actuators, CFD, propulsion, Aerospace Engineering, LOX
Propulsion Engineer - Valves
Austin, TX Area – Relocation Assistance Provided
The Company
Our client is a fast-growing commercial space startup providing comprehensive services, from launch to in-orbit operations. They have a proven track record of successful launch vehicles and spacecraft, and are actively developing their next-generation technologies to support government and commercial missions, from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond.
The Job
Our client believes that building a reliable and inexpensive launch vehicle requires the most reliable, production efficient valves available. On the fluid components team, they design, build, test, and qualify high-performance, precision fluid components tailored to the specific needs of their launch vehicles, landers, and spacecraft. Their team of responsible engineers own their products for the entire product lifecycle; from initial conception through qualification and handoff to the production team.
Functions
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Demonstrate extreme ownership of hardware
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Conceptualize, design, develop and deliver propulsion components to high performance systems
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Responsible for entire development lifecycle and production support as the technical expert.
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Own a combination of in-house developed and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTs) valves, regulators and actuators
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Prepare content for and lead CoDRs, MRR, PDRs, TRRs, data reviews and CDRs
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Author and execute qualification, and acceptance test plans with hands on hardware problem solving
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Work to standardize solutions across programs and product lines
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Improve mission cadence by identifying and implementing cost saving and risk reduction measures
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Lead cross-functional teams of analysts, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supply chain representatives, and test engineers to deliver tested hardware on time
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Resolve non-conformances and implement design changes to improve product yield and manufacturability
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Work with the program teams to develop hardware upgrades in alignment with ambitious performance and cost goals
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Develop simulation-based design methods and validate using subscale and full-scale testing
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Lead failure investigations to determine root cause and implement mitigations
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Qualify existing and new product lines following guidance from SMC-S-016 and S-080 as applicable
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Manage multiple projects and competing priorities
Qualifications
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BS in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering discipline
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3-8 years of experience in a valve or fluid system design-related role.
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Exceptional comprehension of engineering fundamentals including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, structural analysis, materials, and processes.
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Strong understanding of fluid systems aspects such as fluids systems sizing, valve design and operation, instrumentation, flexible element design & integration and fluid fittings
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Skilled in creating analytical/numerical models of engineering devices and processes.
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Ability to successfully manage complex projects.
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Works well in a collaborative, fast paced, multidisciplinary environment.
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Demonstrated interest in advancing 'newspace'.
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Self-motivated with minimum direction required.
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Ability to creatively develop economical solutions.
Preferred Skills
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Served as a Responsible, Manufacturing or Test engineer for an aerospace development project in a fluids related subsystem.
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Component test experience.
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Proficient with GD&T
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Proficient with DFM
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Proficient with FEA and/or CFD analysis
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Knowledge of high-pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
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Experience with valve and regulator design
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Experience with liquid oxygen or other cryogenic operations
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Experience modeling fluid networks
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Experience with rapid development techniques for hardware
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status
Posted: Monday, January 5, 2026
Job # 1380
