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
Export control 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

Jessica Dunkinson

I began working for Protingent in 2019. Our openings can really fluctuate with the needs of the market, and I especially enjoy working in niche and unique roles. My recruiting style is transparent and to the point and I strive to be as helpful as possible without wasting anyone’s time. I strive to help candidates achieve a fulfilling role, no matter their parameters, and my philosophy is “don’t make excuses, make improvements”. I love recruiting because every day is different; I get the opportunity to speak with a large variety of people while learning the tech industry. My favorite part of the job is being able to make a difference in an individual’s life and helping companies that are making a difference in the world.

I look forward to hearing from you. Jessica

Apply Now:

Apply Later

Share This Job:

Apply Online Apply with LinkedIn Apply with Facebook Apply with X

Share This Job:

Related Jobs:

About No Bethesda, MD

Discover your next career opportunity in the vibrant area of North Bethesda, Maryland! This bustling region, situated just a short drive from Washington, D.C., offers an abundance of job openings and a thriving professional community. With renowned art galleries like Strathmore, exciting theater productions at the Round House Theatre, and the proximity to professional sports venues like Nationals Park, North Bethesda is an ideal place to grow your career. Immerse yourself in the unique culture, delectable cuisine, and charming parks like Rock Creek Regional Park. Explore our job listings today and take the next step towards an exciting career in North Bethesda!