Trueanomalyinc Senior Propulsion Development Engineer leads design and build of ground systems and facility infrastructure for a new propulsion test stand. Responsible for hypergolic propellant feed systems and structural hardware design.
Responsibilities
Hypergolic System Design
Lead the detailed mechanical design of hypergolic propellant feed systems, including propellant storage vessels, transfer lines, fill and drain assemblies, valve configurations, and pressurization circuits for a new test stand.
Select fluid system components and assemblies compatible with hypergolic propellants (NTO, MMH, UDMH, or similar), including sizing, material selection, seal compatibility, leak containment, and pressure ratings.
Develop and own P&IDs for hypergolic propellant and pressurant systems; ensure designs incorporate appropriate redundancy, isolation, and emergency safing capabilities.
Design propellant offload, storage, and transfer infrastructure including secondary containment, vent and drain routing, and neutralization provisions.
Integrate hypergolic system designs with fire suppression, facility exhaust and scrubbing systems, personnel protection provisions, and facility control interfaces.
Apply and enforce applicable design standards and material compatibility requirements throughout all hypergolic system designs.
Test Stand Structural & Mechanical Design
Design the primary test stand structure including thrust measurement systems, engine/thruster mount interfaces, and load paths for anticipated thrust levels and dynamic loads.
Detail mechanical designs for run tank assemblies, GSE carts, propellant conditioning systems, and ancillary facility hardware.
Produce fully detailed CAD models and engineering drawings suitable for fabrication, procurement, and third-party review.
Conduct or coordinate structural and pressure system analyses including FEA, pressure budget calculations, and proof and burst margin verification.
Qualification
Bachelor's degree in MechanicalProficiency with 3D CAD tools (NXFamiliarity with HydrazineExperience coordinating with AHJsExperience with cleaning
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering.
8+ years of professional experience in the design and build of propulsion ground systems, test facility hardware, or high-pressure fluid systems for aerospace or defense applications.
Demonstrated hands-on experience designing fluid systems for hypergolic, toxic, or highly reactive propellants, including material compatibility, secondary containment, and emergency safing provisions.
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and production of fully detailed engineering drawings for fabrication.
Experience developing P&IDs for propulsion or chemical process systems and working with pressure system design codes (ASME B31.3 or equivalent).
Solid understanding of pressure system safety requirements including proof, burst, and leak test margins, and relief device sizing.
Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation and interface with safety and regulatory stakeholders.
Preferred
Direct experience designing and building hypergolic propellant test stands or ground fluid systems for spacecraft or launch vehicle programs.
Familiarity with Hydrazine, NTO, MMH, UDMH, or red fuming nitric acid (RFNA) handling systems and the associated material, cleaning, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Experience coordinating with AHJs, fire marshals, or environmental regulators on permitting for hazardous chemical storage or operations.
Background in structural analysis or FEA for test stand structures and pressure vessels.
Familiarity with instrumentation and control system interfaces for propulsion test: pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples, automated valve control, and emergency shutdown systems.
Experience with cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification for hypergolic-compatible fluid systems.
Familiarity with Colorado Front Range permitting, zoning, or environmental requirements for toxic propellant storage and operations.
Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one.