Senior Structural and Design Engineer Space Propulsion Systems

At Parabilis, we design, develop, test, and fly affordable in-space propulsion and small satellite solutions . Parabilis is one of the few companies in the world that has both propulsion and satellite capabilities under one roof.

We are leveraging the space heritage of our team to build an exciting and growing company that will meet the current and future needs of our customers and provide a challenging and fun place for our employees to pursue their dreams. Our current programs include a Cube-Sat-scale propulsion system for the US Space Force , a lunar transfer stage for NASA, multiple propulsion systems for government and commercial space refueling missions, and a rapid ASCENT propellant loading system for DAF/USSF .

Position Overview

Become a Senior Structural and Design Engineer at Parabilis. In this position, you will have extensive opportunities to contribute to early-stage concept development as well as building, testing, and troubleshooting the systems and components as they move through the value chain.

A day in the life – Get ready to think big, work smart and shine brightly!

• Assessing structural integrity of spacecraft and/or propulsion system primary structures, subsystems, mechanisms, components; ensuring that designs meet structural requirements and performance goals for the mission.
• Using appropriate engineering tools (e.g., Matlab) to perform common analyses.
• Developing cold flow and hot fire propulsion test plans; developing flight qualification plans; supporting cold flow and hot fire propulsion tests e.g., conducting proof pressure testing.
• Troubleshooting anomalies that arise during build and test; conducting customer analyses and providing customer support as necessary.
• Perform structural design and analyses.
• Creating and writing clear procedures (including assembly procedures); conducting process hazard analyses (PHAs).
• Contributing to business development work (B&P) as needed.
• Contributing to the development of guidance, navigation, and control systems where possible.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Five years of experience designing/developing fluid systems (or components that are inherent to fluid systems) such as valves, pumps, tanks, and regulators.
• Knowledge of propulsion and spacecraft systems, particularly hybrid (liquid+solid) systems and/or hydrazine systems.
• Experience with creating releasable drawings based on a concept.
• Experience with structural analysis.
• Experience with creating structural designs and performing structural analyses including loads, strengths, and thermal.
• Experience coming up with non-obvious design solutions.
• Experience with running common aerospace analyses and interpreting/explaining common data patterns.
• Working knowledge of fluid system instrumentation and control components (e.g., pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves, etc.).
• U.S. citizenship/US person.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required

Desirable Qualifications

• Five years of design for spacecraft or launch vehicle systems is desirable.
• Thermal Desktop experience
• Experience with mill, lathe and/or other machining experience.
• Basic knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics, and some experience with Star CCM software and meshing; ability to run basic CFD analyses and interpret/explain common data patterns.
• Intimate familiarity with at least one common engineering design tool that includes knowledge of options, shortcuts, map keys, etc. CREO/ProE knowledge and experience strongly preferred.
• Propulsion test experience.
• Experience with analysis and assessment of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and systems in all phases of development and operations.
• Basic electrical engineering or GNC knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of one or more programming languages (e.g., C or C++), software tools or processors.
• Ability to write clear processes/procedures.
• Ability to identify when something is or isn't a process deviation.

You should know

• The primary work location for this position is San Marcos, CA, this position can be considered for remote work. This position may require occasional travel.
• Depending on the level of experience and qualifications of the candidate, the compensation package for this position may be adjusted. The adjusted range will be provided to the candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.
• Salary Range $125,000 - $171,000

How to apply:

Via LinkedIn or send updated resume to:

OTHER

As a small company, Parabilis relies on the capabilities and good judgement of its employees. We prefer to unleash the talent of our employees rather than trying to control it with hierarchy or excessive bureaucracy. Subsequently, the person selected for this position will be trusted and empowered to act in the best interest of Parabilis and its customers. Every person at Parabilis contributes outside of their primary area of technical expertise (that’s how learning occurs) and helps to propose/win new business for our growing company. If you like variety, this job will be fulfilling and fun.

Parabilis is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.