Senior Propulsion Engineer
GraviticsSpace Infrastructure company
Seattle, United StatesSenior
FJ Labs
Type One Ventures
Draper Associates
The Venture Collective
Helios Capital
About the role
TL;DR
Responsible for the development of in-space propulsion systems, including analysis, design, and testing.
- •About Gravitics At Gravitics, we're not just exploring space—we're building it.
- •We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth.
- •Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers.
- •We design and manufacture the large-scale structures and systems that will power human and robotic activity in Earth orbit and beyond.
- •If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you.
- •Let's build the future, together.
- •About the Role We are looking for rockstars who can work the full product lifecycle of an in-space propulsion system from design through build and integration.
- •You will own major fluid subsystems to develop a propulsion system that operates flawlessly regardless of the mission.
- •Responsibilities: Design, build, and test propulsion fluid systems, including feed systems, tank pressurization, propellant management, and associated fluid components Take ownership of propulsion subsystem architecture elements, from concept definition through hardware integration and test Lead system-level trade studies to evaluate performance, weight, power, and cost Plan and execute propulsion integration and test campaigns, including component, subsystem, and full vehicle testing Generate and maintain engineering documentation such as requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, and fluid system schematics Work cross-functionally with structures, thermal, avionics, and GNC teams to ensure propulsion system compatibility with vehicle-level performance Support environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and leak/proof pressure testing Actively contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR) and drive propulsion-related technical decisions throughout the program lifecycle Be a reliable expert on your design from concept to mission control console About You You’re a successful candidate if you are a giver, not a taker.
- •You make things happen.
- •You are exceptional at several things, yet willing to take on efforts in areas of weakness.
- •Required Attributes 5+ years of experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another applicable field Working knowledge of propulsion or fluid system components (feed systems, pressurization, valves, regulators, or similar) Exposure to one or more of the following: Liquid or gas propulsion system design Propellant management and fluid handling Hardware assembly, integration, and functional testing Thermodynamic or fluid dynamics analysis Ability to understand structural, fluid, and thermal designs from first principles Familiarity with CAD and FEA packages such as NX and NASTRAN or similar Ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment with evolving requirements and a high degree of ownership Bonus Points for Background in feed system design, pressurant system sizing, or propellant budgeting Hands-on experience assembling, integrating, and testing fluid system hardware Familiarity with propulsion-specific test environments, including proof/leak testing, hotfire testing, or pressure system qualification Experience conducting trade studies and optimizing propulsion system performance, weight, and reliability Familiarity with combustion, propellant chemistry, or reaction control system (RCS) design Experience with CFD, thermal fluid system modeling, and/or combustion modeling tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink, ROCETS, GFSSP, CEA, TDK) Experience in high-reliability or safety-critical fluid systems with formal verification and validation practices Demonstrated ability to drive complex propulsion hardware from early design through acceptance testing Prior experience at launch vehicle, spacecraft, or propulsion-focused organizations Genuine enthusiasm for advancing propulsion technology and contributing to next-generation space systems Proficient understanding of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
Required skills
in-space chemical propulsion systemsstructural analysisfluid analysisthermal analysisCADFEA
Domain expertise
space
Benefits & perks
Performance bonus
Tech stack
CADFEANXNASTRANROCETSGFSSPCEATDKPython