What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Integration Engineer position at CFD Research Corporation?
POSITION OVERVIEW:
CFD Research is seeking an experienced Propulsion Integration Engineer to support the MAVIS (Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System) program. This role will lead the integration of government-furnished propulsion components to include Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs), Reaction Control System (RCS), and Spin Stabilization System with Lockheed Martin avionics and vehicle subsystems. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the fully integrated MAV propulsion system meets mission requirements, including power, thermal, static, and dynamic loads. If you have a passion for spaceflight and propulsion integration, we encourage you to apply.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and manage Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between propulsion systems and avionics
- Support system-level performance assessments, including power budgets, thermal analysis, structural loads, and dynamic response
- Support drawing reviews, test plan reviews, and assembly and integration plans relevant to LM design integration activities
- Conduct trade studies to optimize propulsion and avionics integration for system performance and reliability
- Define and verify electrical, mechanical, and thermal interfaces between propulsion components and vehicle avionics
- Provide technical oversight on propulsion system integration, ensuring alignment with system requirements and mission constraints
- Support hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, qualification, and system-level validation efforts
- Participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs) with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, NASA, and other stakeholders
- Contribute to system-level design reviews (Checkpoint Reviews, Subsystem Reviews, PDR, CDR, etc) by providing propulsion integration expertise
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies related to propulsion and avionics integration, ensuring a robust and mission-ready system
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 8 years of experience in propulsion system integration, solid rocket motor systems, or spacecraft propulsion.
- Strong understanding of solid rocket motor (SRM) integration, reaction control systems (RCS), and spin stabilization techniques.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with multiple stakeholders.
Work Environment & Travel:
Primary location: Huntsville, Alabama
3-4 days in the office
9/80 Work Schedule
Clearance: None. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required (ITAR & Export Control compliance).
About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com
Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. We offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.
CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories