Posted: 02/16/2026 Employment Type: Direct Hire Job Number: 31463 Job Location: Onsite Industry: DEF - Defense and Military

Job Description

Position Title: Principal/Senior Engineer, Propulsion

Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal/Senior Propulsion Engineer.

Job Responsibilities:

Own and execute propulsion hardware development across the full product lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, analysis, build, test, and flight support.
Lead the design and delivery of space-rated propellant tanks and supporting propulsion components.
Serve as a technical contributor and mentor within a cross-disciplinary engineering team.
Collaborate closely with systems, structures, manufacturing, test, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready hardware on aggressive schedules.
Apply sound engineering judgment and creativity to solve complex propulsion challenges and meet mission requirements.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
7+ years of experience in the design, analysis, build, and test of space-rated metallic pressure vessels and related propulsion hardware, including:
Familiarity with ANSI/AIAA S-080A, launch vehicle interfaces, and range safety requirements.
Experience with qualification and acceptance testing of space-rated pressure vessels.
Proficiency in tank and pressure vessel analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fracture mechanics, slosh dynamics, and propellant management devices.
Demonstrated experience leading technical efforts and small teams.
Ownership of cost, schedule, and technical performance for assigned hardware.
Proficiency with common engineering analysis tools and workflows.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving development environment.
Strong commitment to technical rigor, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers.
Experience with in-space propulsion subsystems beyond propellant tanks.
Background working in a fast-paced startup or rapid development environment.
Advanced propulsion analysis experience using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CFD, FEA, Surface Evolver, and GFSSP.
Experience with CAD tools and configuration-controlled hardware development.
Strong background in risk identification and mitigation.
Programming experience in Java, Python, Julia, and/or C++.
Familiarity with 5S (6S) and Lean Six Sigma principles.

Job Details:

Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary Range: $165K-$220K.
Location: Rockville, Maryland
ITAR's regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.

Meet Your Recruiter

Chris Walsh

Since 2013, I have met many bright-minded and interesting people while recruiting for Protingent. For the last decade, I have specialized in hardware and software product development engineering recruitment. My recruiting style is to build a strong, lasting relationship while I help you achieve your career goals. I am a straightforward, open-minded individual who treats others as I wish to be treated. I enjoy playing golf and watching sports and appreciate fine wine and food. Let’s get started today.

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