Position Summary

The Senior Propulsion Engineer (Step II) is accountable for the execution, quality, and on-schedule delivery of engineering work products — including CAD designs, manufacturing drawings, configuration-controlled documentation, analysis reports, and test artifacts — across the full lifecycle of Rubicon’s thruster and propulsion system programs.

In this role, you will operate with a high degree of independence on both routine and non-routine technical tasks, applying standard methodologies as well as sound engineering judgment where established approaches do not directly apply. You will contribute to plans and work instructions, lead the preparation of design and analysis deliverables, and actively advance program objectives from concept through flight.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Rubicon Space Systems values individuals who act with integrity, step up where needed, and pursue continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain CAD models and produce manufacturing drawings to support design, fabrication, and inspection activities.
• Perform primary and secondary structural analysis of propulsion systems using quasi-static, modal, random vibration, and sine sweep methods, ranging from baseline assessments to advanced evaluations.
• Validate thruster and propulsion system hardware through design, analysis, inspection, and test, applying the most appropriate engineering methods for each application.
• Communicate design and analysis results and engineering recommendations clearly to internal stakeholders and external customers or partners.
• Contribute to the strategic vision and execution roadmap for advancing Rubicon’s ASCENT-based propulsion technology and establishing the company as a leader in its infusion and application.
• Support development of plans and schedules aligned with project and program milestone objectives, and implementation of those plans and schedules into actions.
• Actively integrate feedback, mentorship, and coaching from senior team members into daily practice, and model that same investment for less experienced engineers.
• Apply knowledge of applicable government and consensus technical standards, and exercise sound judgment in tailoring their requirements appropriately for specific programs and mission contexts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering with 5+ years of post-degree experience in space hardware design and analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with demonstrated ability to work through both structured and ambiguous technical problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical content clearly to diverse audiences.
• Effective time management and organizational skills in a deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with requirements development and requirements flow-down processes.
• Proven ability to work effectively in dynamic, cross-functional team environments with a self-directed work style.
• Ability to build trust and maintain positive, professional working relationships across the organization.
• Experience developing work orders and test procedures.
• Proficiency in CAD tools for part and assembly design and drawing production (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Working familiarity with MS Office products, MATLAB, LabVIEW, LLM tools, and Python.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering with 3+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft propulsion, thermal, structural, electrical, or systems engineering programs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing and assembly processes, including brazing, welding, bonding, traditional machining, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with environmental test programs, including procedure development, test execution, and post-test data reduction.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, LabVIEW, Python, ANSYS, and LLM tools.