What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Applications Engineer II position at Supernova?
Who We Are:
Supernova Defense and Space is on a mission to revolutionize the manufacturing of energetic material applications. We create cutting-edge manufacturing solutions using an innovative 3D printing platform that integrates advanced materials, machines, and software to produce solid rocket motor propellant grains, igniters, fuses, pyrotechnics, and charges. With our state-of-the-art equipment and forward-thinking approach, we are reshaping the future of aerospace, defense, and military applications.
The Role: Propulsion Applications Engineer – Solid Rocket Motors
As a propulsion applications engineer, you will lead the development of solid rocket motor grain applications tailored to customer requirements utilizing our advanced 3D printing platform. In this role, you will be responsible for guiding designs from concept through application development, covering design, propellant formulation, prototyping, testing, and customer demonstrations. You will be crucial in proving the application and validating performance in our lab environment. This role requires up to 75% travel, with time spent primarily at our energetics lab.
What you will get to do:
- Application Development:
- Lead the application development phase, taking designs from concept through lab testing and customer demonstration.
- Create an end-to-end application life cycle, including the pre-process and post-process steps, as well as testing and use.
- Design
- Develop and refine complex grain geometries and propellant formulations for solid rocket motors using tools like CAD models, simulations, and fundamental calculations.
- Utilize proprietary 3D printing technology to produce prototype grains tailored to target end usage.
- Testing & Analysis
- Develop and execute targeted test plans to validate design performance and ensure safety compliance.
- Analyze test data to refine designs and inform process/product improvements before manufacturing transition.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with machine and material development team members to ensure a cohesive platform development
- Engage directly with customers to gather requirements, offer technical insights, and showcase our system's capabilities.
- Travel:
- Travel frequently (approximately 75% of the time) to our energetics lab and customer sites for printing, developing, testing, and demonstrations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline.
- Proven solid rocket motor design expertise, with a strong focus on grain geometry and propellant formulation.
- Experience with or a willingness to master advanced 3D printing technologies as applied to energetic material applications.
- Demonstrated ability to manage application development projects from concept through testing and customer validation.
- Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills, with a readiness for frequent travel.
- Familiarity with relevant regulatory and safety standards in rocket propulsion and energetic material applications.
- US citizenship or permanent resident
What Will Set You Apart:
- Advanced degree (Master’s/PhD) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
- Prior experience in the aerospace or defense industry, particularly in energetic materials or propulsion systems.
- Hands-on expertise in integrating design with state-of-the-art 3D printing and testing methodologies.
- A proactive, innovative mindset with a track record of driving application development and technological breakthroughs.
- US government security clearance
