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Propulsion Engineer (Solid Rocket Motor Ballistics) at Castelioncorporation · LumiJobs

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Castelioncorporation· Posted Nov 12, 2026

Propulsion Engineer (Solid Rocket Motor Ballistics)

Mariner - Californiafull time

On Site

entry

H1B: no

Castelioncorporation The Propulsion Engineer at Castelion is responsible for designing and developing solid rocket motor systems, including grain geometry and nozzle assemblies, while leading propulsion hardware design to meet performance and structural requirements. This role involves performing internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses and supporting static fire tests and development campaigns.

Responsibilities

Design and develop rocket motor systems, including grain geometry, case structures, insulation, and nozzle assemblies.
Lead the architecture and detailed design of propulsion hardware to meet performance, structural, and thermal requirements
Perform internal ballistics, thermal, and structural analyses to ensure motor performance and reliability under extreme operating conditions
Advance the internal Castelion capabilities for analysis predictions and correlation to tests for solid rocket motor propellant as well as ignition systems (BKNO3)
Work closely with structures, thermal, GNC, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion systems with the vehicle
Support propellant selection, processing, and characterization in collaboration with materials and manufacturing teams
Plan and execute static fire tests and development test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection, and post-test analysis
Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations, driving design improvements and risk reduction
Define and execute qualification and flight test plans, translating results into system-level improvements
Optimize designs for performance, mass, manufacturability, and operational reliability
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in propulsion system design and testing
Partner closely with program leadership to make technical trades aligned with mission success

Qualification

Bachelor'sExperience with propulsion testingExperience with hardware buildStrong problem-solving mindsetAerospaceExperience working with composites

Required

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
2+ years of experience in rocket propulsion design, analysis, and testing for aerospace or defense applications
Strong background in solid rocket motor design, including internal ballistics, grain design, ignitors, and nozzle performance
Experience with propulsion testing, including static fire test setup, instrumentation, and data analysis
Familiarity with structural and thermal design considerations for high-temperature, high-pressure systems
Proficiency in analysis and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, SPP, or equivalent)
Experience with hardware build, integration, and troubleshooting in a lab or test environment
Strong problem-solving mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, high test cadence environment

Preferred

Experience with preliminary / conceptual design from performance requirements for solid rocket motor grains
Experience with pyrotechnic and pyrogenic ignition systems and characterizing ignitor performance.
Experience with grain and nozzle optimization for tactical SRM systems.
Experience correlating analytical models with physical test data.
Aerospace, hypersonic, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or other high-performance flight hardware experience.
Experience establishing engineering standards or methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers technically.
Experience working with composites, coatings, finishes, and advanced manufacturing processes.