Lead Propulsion Engineer

Location: Greater Portland, Maine, USA
Compensation: 100,000 to 150,000 USD per year, plus stock options and benefits
Onsite role

Darwin Space are partnered with an exciting hybrid propulsion company who are developing a new generation of environmentally conscious suborbital and orbital launch systems. They design and build hybrid propulsion engines aimed at the small satellite market, backed by notable government and private investors, and are preparing to launch from their own sea based platform.

They are a small and ambitious team of around fifteen people planning to grow this year. Due to their location, they are seeking candidates who value outdoor living, hands on engineering and a close knit environment where every contribution is felt. They have a strong line between civil aerospace and defence, meeting regularly to ensure they remain on the civil side of the industry.

This role has been open for some time, and they are now ready to move quickly for the right person. Hybrid propulsion experience is ideal, with liquid propulsion experience as the next best fit. They are looking for someone who enjoys getting their hands dirty, can design and analyse propulsion hardware, but is also comfortable assembling and testing systems in the field.

Role Overview

The Lead Propulsion Engineer will support the design, build and testing of hybrid rocket engines and associated propulsion subsystems. This includes detailed mechanical design, thermal and structural analysis, materials selection, build oversight and hands on test execution. You will work closely with mechanical, electrical and software teams to integrate propulsion hardware into the vehicle and support launch operations.

This is a highly hands on role for someone who likes to fix things, work with tools, develop test hardware and solve real engineering problems on the ground. You will have ownership from concept through hot fire testing and play a significant part in shaping the propulsion architecture of future vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Analysis

• Design hybrid propulsion system components and related fluid systems
• Perform thermal, stress and vibration analyses for propulsion hardware
• Conduct simulation and modelling using MATLAB, Simulink and similar tools
• Select materials for high stress, high temperature environments

Hands On Build and Test

• Support the build and assembly of engines and test hardware
• Conduct static and dynamic propulsion testing
• Write test plans, analyse test data and document results
• Troubleshoot and resolve propulsion issues across mechanical, electrical and software interfaces

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and software teams
• Integrate propulsion systems into overall vehicle architectures
• Provide technical support during launch campaigns

Project Ownership

• Lead R&D activities from concept through testing
• Support milestone definition, budgeting and cross functional scheduling
• Contribute to continuous improvement of propulsion systems and test methodologies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Experience designing, building and testing liquid or hybrid propulsion systems
• Strong thermal analysis and heat transfer skills
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink or similar simulation tools
• Experience with structural analysis software
• CAD proficiency and ability to produce and interpret technical drawings
• Hands on capability with propulsion test equipment and mechanical systems
• Familiarity with CNC machining, composites or additive manufacturing
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Ideal Additional Experience

• Experience in the design, test or launch of commercial rockets
• CFD experience
• Familiarity with LabVIEW or similar DAQ and control systems
• Experience with Siemens NX, ANSYS or similar tools
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical and software systems

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary between 100,000 and 150,000 USD depending on experience
• Stock options
• Three weeks of PTO, increasing with tenure
• Eight paid holidays
• Health coverage with 75 percent paid through Maine Health Portal
• Flexible start and finish times
• Opportunities to attend major space events and conferences
• Up to 5,000 USD per year for academic course support
• Clear path to technical or business leadership as the company grows

Additional Information

• Onsite role within 45 mins of Portland, Maine
• Minimum 40 hour work week, typically starting at 9 a.m.
• Weekend work may occur during critical testing or launch periods
• Reports to the Lead Mechanical Engineer
• Equal opportunity employer with inclusive employment practices