ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0.
Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.
Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.
SENIOR PROPULSION ENGINEER (STAGE SYSTEMS)The Stage Systems team is responsible for requirements, analysis, and operation of the vehicle-level system to ensure all subsystems come together and form a cohesive vehicle. As a Senior Propulsion Engineer at ABL, you will take ownership of these systems, understand them inside-and-out, predict how they will behave in nominal and anomalous conditions, manage their risk within program goals, and verify their performance through operations and flight.
We are a group of dedicated engineers who thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving work environment. Before an operation we review schematics, sequences, aborts, blue lines, open issues and risks, and then chart the path forward. After an operation, we comb through test data to compare against objectives, update predictions, and make the assessment if we are safe and ready to proceed.
You will need to excel at collaborating with other engineers and disciplines to understand the cross-functional interactions. With your innate understanding of the vehicle configuration, compressible/incompressible fluid knowledge, and thermal intuition, you will have front-row seats to the activation and first launches of the next generation of launch vehicles.
Example projects include: directly support test and launch operations in mission control, inform requirements and architecture of in-space propellant management, strategize stage development and acceptance plans and objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Full ownership for complex, integrated systems by understanding configuration and requirements, performing walkdown inspections of the vehicle, analyzing performance as required, and reviewing test data
• Scope system requirements, architecture, and roadmaps for new and upcoming missions
• Develop vehicle control sequences, aborts and alarms, bluelines and launch commit criteria (LCCs), system setpoints
• Interface with launch & test engineers to coordinate objectives, sequences, test parameters, and related activities
• Participate in vehicle-level operations in mission control as on-console responsible engineer or support
• Identify, track, mitigate, and retire system-level risks
• Interpret and refine vehicle fluid schematics (P&ID’s) based on system operation
• Perform fluid component sizing and analysis using hand calculations, custom scripts
• Develop test plans for vehicle fluid systems and lead efforts to verify functionality. Inclusive of planning, documentation, and execution of test campaigns
• Create and present internal technical documentation that clearly convey analysis or test results and make recommendations for next steps
• Manage and communicate your project milestone and priorities
• Mentor other engineers on the team
• Travel to remote launch and test sites to support operational objectives, as required (25-75% of time during major campaigns)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field from an accredited university
• 6 years of experience working in aerospace, defense, chemical, or equivalent professional environments with direct experience developing or operating complex fluid and/or mechanical systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with high pressure or cryogenic fluid systems and associated design/operational considerations
• Strong knowledge of compressible/incompressible flow, fluid properties, and utilities like REFPROP
• Adept at interpreting and/or defining Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID’s)
• Experience referencing and/or authoring interface control documents, test plans, control sequences, and other key technical documentation
• Experience working across engineering groups to define requirements and implement solutions
• Professional experience with data processing tools (Excel, Python), fluid analysis tools (GFSSP)
• Performed hazardous operations in control rooms as a test director, test conductor, responsible engineer, or similar
• Direct experience working on rocket engine, launch vehicle, launch/test site, or in-space propulsion operations
• Hands-on experience developing and activating new, complex systems from scratch including scoping and troubleshooting
• Familiarity with Siemens NX and Teamcenter or equivalent CAD/PLM systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel to remote launch and test sites to support operational objectives, as required (25-75% of time during major campaigns)

$145,000 - $210,000 a year
This is the lowest to highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Company paid life insurance and LTD coverage
• 4% 401k match
• Student loan repayment assistance program
• Paid parental leave
• Family planning assistance program
• Company paid financial wellness program
• Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employees
• Relocation bonus offered to qualified candidates

ITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.