About this opportunity
City of Lincoln lists this Senior Rocket Propulsion Engineer opportunity in presque isle, Maine. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Base Pay $126,000.00 - $159,000.00 / Year
Employee Type E Exempt
Description
Company Overview:
VALT Enterprizes, Inc. is revolutionizing aerospace with cutting-edge hypersonic research and development to pioneer America’s first-of-its-kind hypersonic launch system, combining rocket and air-breathing propulsion to empower our nation’s warfighters with the tools they need to safeguard our country. We envision a world where access to space is no longer a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all. Our team is driven by data, fueled by passion, and united by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience. Challenges are embraced head-on in a culture that values creativity, determination, and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and making history – together.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Rocket Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced solid rocket motors and propulsion systems supporting VALT's hypersonic research and development programs and commercial customer initiatives. This role is focused on major solid rocket motor development, including propulsion system architecture, propellant and grain design, motor design, internal ballistics, combustion performance, analysis, and system integration throughout the design-build-test lifecycle. You will apply extensive solid rocket propulsion experience and advanced engineering judgment to solve complex technical challenges, refine motor designs, evaluate analytical and test data, and mature propulsion concepts from initial design through qualification and flight readiness. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and test teams in VALT's fast-paced, experimental R&D environment while providing technical leadership and mentorship throughout propulsion development efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the design, development, analysis, and optimization of advanced solid rocket motors and propulsion systems
Lead major solid rocket motor development efforts from concept through qualification, applying advanced engineering principles throughout the design-build-test lifecycle
Develop and refine propellant formulations, grain geometries, motor architectures, and propulsion system designs to achieve performance, reliability, manufacturability, mission, and customer objectives
Lead the design and integration of critical motor components and subsystems, including motor casings, nozzles, ignition systems, propellant grains, and associated interfaces
Perform advanced propulsion analyses, including internal ballistics, combustion performance, thermal analysis, structural assessments, and motor performance prediction
Develop analytical models, evaluate simulation results, and interpret propulsion test data to validate design assumptions and drive iterative design improvements
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations teams throughout the design and development process
Lead technical investigations and root cause analyses related to propulsion system performance, design challenges, and test results
Lead and participate in technical design reviews and engineering trade studies, providing recommendations and influencing critical propulsion design decisions
Prepare and review engineering analyses, technical reports, design documentation, specifications, drawings, and test plans
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to propulsion engineers and other technical team members
Support the continued advancement of VALT's solid rocket propulsion technologies, engineering methods, and development capabilities
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
5+ years of professional engineering experience in solid rocket propulsion, including significant experience leading or serving in a key technical role in the design and development of major solid rocket motor systems
Demonstrated expertise in solid rocket motor design and development, including propellant formulation, grain geometry, motor architecture, internal ballistics, combustion performance, and propulsion system analysis
Experience working in a research and development environment utilizing iterative design-build-test cycles to develop and mature solid rocket motors and propulsion systems
Demonstrated experience designing and integrating critical solid rocket motor components and subsystems
Experience supporting the full solid rocket motor development lifecycle from concept development through design, analysis, integration, qualification, and testing
Experience performing advanced propulsion analyses using analytical methods, modeling, simulation tools, and engineering software
Experience interpreting propulsion test data, evaluating motor performance, validating design assumptions, and applying findings to iterative design improvements
Proven ability to independently solve complex technical challenges, exercise sound engineering judgment, and make technical decisions with minimal supervision
Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, as required by government contracts
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree or Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
10+ years of professional engineering experience in solid rocket propulsion, including significant experience leading of serving in a key technical role in the design and development of major solid rocket motor systems
Direct experience with ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP) formulation or comparable composite solid propellant systems
Experience supporting the design and development of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles or other advanced high-speed aerospace applications
Experience designing and developing solid rocket motors for hypersonic, missile, launch vehicle, or other advanced defense applications
Experience leading static fire testing, propulsion performance evaluation, and post-test data analysis supporting motor development and design validation
Experience with composite propellant processing, manufacturing methods, and quality control practices
Experience supporting DoD, MDA, NASA, or other government-funded aerospace research and development programs
Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher
4% 401(k) match
Employee stock option program
Relocation assistance
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Exciting and challenging work environment
Join us in shaping the future of hypersonic flight and advancing next-generation aerospace technology. As a Senior Rocket Propulsion Engineer, you will lead the design and development of advanced solid rocket motors and propulsion systems supporting VALT's hypersonic research and development programs and commercial customer initiatives. You will apply deep technical expertise in solid rocket propulsion to solve complex engineering challenges, lead major motor development efforts, and advance propulsion concepts from initial design through qualification and flight readiness. This role offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary R&D environment while directly influencing the continued advancement of VALT's propulsion technologies and capabilities.
VALT Enterprizes, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.
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Worksite address
presque isle, ME, 04769, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.