Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine delivers historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.
The Role: Principal Propulsion Engineer
As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine assemblies. You will be responsible for taking designs from concepts to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
What You'll Get To Do
Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion piece parts and assemblies
Generate CAD models of components and engine systems
Fluid network modeling, analysis and design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, identify COTS components for fluid systems, work with suppliers to source components.
Generate P&ID’s of engine systems
Develop and execute test plans; analyze test results
Systems engineering experience focusing on generating engine balances, engine sizing and requirements, technical understanding of various engine cycles, and trading cycle efficiencies of various engine cycles
Use engine P&IDs to generate fully detailed CAD models of engine assemblies
Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks
Own the entire lifecycle of an engine assembly: combustor, thrust take-out structure, gimbal system, possibly pump and possibly hot gas turbine, flow control devices, etc.
Mentoring younger team members to increase their experience of the team in headquarters
What You Have
10+ years of aerospace vehicle and engine systems engineering/design experience
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Systems engineering and operational experience
Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams
Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads
Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications
The ideal candidate will be a multi-disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design and analysis, engine testing and hot-fire data analysis, hands-on experience with assembling and testing propulsion systems, generating complex CAD models and designing for manufacturing (DFM), including excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5+ years of CAD experience, particularly working with large assemblies
Experience in some of the design and analysis tools such as NX / SolidWorks, ANSYS mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, GFSSP, Microsoft Visio
Strong communication skills to effectively work in a hybrid in-person/remote work environment
What Will Set You Apart
Master’s, PhD degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Experience with RDREs or RDEs
Project management/leadership
Familiarity with Agile methods
Strong background in systems engineering for engine or PPMS systems
Engine and/or engine component testing
Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA STD-5012, AIAA S-080A-2018
Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing
Responsible engineer experience in hotfire testing of liquid rocket engine assemblies, especially those that have gone wrong.
Location:
This is a full-time salaried position with the flexibility of working remotely or from our headquarters located on the Ellington Air Field in Houston, Texas.
Benefits:
Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.
ITAR Requirements
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here .
Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.
For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page .