Staff Propulsion Engineer

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango Colorado with expanding operations in and Tulsa Oklahoma and upcoming growth in Seattle Washington Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile we design build and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision reliability and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense human exploration and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Companys equity plan.

This is an onsite role based in Durango Colorado. Durango offers a rare combination of meaningful aerospace work and exceptional quality of life with access to world-class skiing mountain biking hiking fishing rafting and a vibrant mountain-town community. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Agile is seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Design Engineer who will lead the design development and optimization of propulsion components and systems. This role requires deep technical expertise cross-functional leadership and the ability to drive Agiles propulsion devices from concept through production. The ideal candidate for this role will also be able to interpret hot-fire test data and drive design modification as well as provide technical guidance to junior engineers on sound design practices. Agile follows a fast-paced culture and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity for growth and increased sphere of influence as a technical leader. Critical skillsets being sought after are expertise in heat transfer fluid dynamics rocket propulsion spacecraft system architecture.

Responsibilities:

• Own hypergolic propulsion hardware from concept detailed design analysis prototyping testing and production support.
• Lead the design and development of liquid propulsion systems and combustion devices including engines injectors chambers and propellant feed systems.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to Agiles long-term propulsion technology roadmap.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design and test issues.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation requirements specifications and major design review packages (SRR PDR CDR etc.).
• Collaborate closely with structures thermal manufacturing quality and test teams to drive integrated solutions.
• Support hot-fire test campaigns including planning execution data analysis and design iteration.
• Perform system-level trade studies performance modeling and design optimization focused on performance reliability manufacturability and thermal stability.

Staff Level

• B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 12 years of experience developing propulsion systems or related aerospace hardware.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics thermodynamics heat transfer and combustion.
• Experience designing liquid propulsion components and systems.
• Experience supporting propulsion testing and interpreting test data.
• Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to own hardware development from concept through testing.

Senior Staff Level

• All qualifications listed above plus:
• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex propulsion development efforts.
• Experience leading propulsion architecture trades and major design decisions.
• Proven track record delivering propulsion hardware through qualification and production.
• Experience mentoring engineers and reviewing technical work products.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams through technical challenges and ambiguity.

Principal Level

• All qualifications listed above plus:
• Recognized subject matter expertise in propulsion system design and development.
• Experience defining propulsion technology roadmaps system architectures or strategic technical direction.
• Proven record of leading large-scale propulsion programs or highly complex technical efforts.
• Ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor senior engineers.
• Experience serving as a primary technical authority during customer engagements and major design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with chemical rocket propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with CFD FEA and propulsion system modeling tools (e.g. ANSYS MATLAB/Simulink) to understand analysis results.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing machining and casting
• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g. aerospace defense).
• Knowledge of combustion instabilities.
• Prior technical leadership project ownership and/or people management experience.

This position is open across multiple levels (Staff Senior Staff & Principal). Final leveling will be determined based on the candidates experience skills and overall qualifications during the interview process.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type: Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Relocation Stipend

Salary: The expected salary range for this role is $144000 $200000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience skills and internal equity and is typically made within the midrange rather than the upper end. The posted salary band reflects the compensation range for candidates located in Colorado in compliance with Colorado state law. If you are located in another state please contact HR to inquire about the applicable compensation band as requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

Onsite #LI-Onsite

What Youll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage dental and vision plans Flexible Time Off parental leave and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age veteran status or any other basis protected by law.

Disclaimer: Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time temporary or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Dont meet every single requirement At Agile we are committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt perfectly align with every qualification we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please submit a request to

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.