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Job Description

The Propulsion Manager for the Vira engine is a hybrid role that blends deep technical ownership with people and project leadership. While titled as a manager, this individual is fundamentally the Responsible Engineer (RE) for the Vira upper-stage liquid rocket engineowning its design, development, testing, and delivery from concept to flight.

You will lead a team of propulsion engineers to develop a vacuum-optimized, high-performance engine that emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This is a hands-on, high-accountability role where youll be expected to lead by example, solve complex technical challenges, and drive execution in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Ownership

Serve as the technical product owner for the Vira engine system

Lead the design, analysis, testing, and iteration of the engine and its subsystems

Translate long-term technical roadmaps into actionable daily priorities

Provide hands-on support during engine builds and test campaigns

Author and execute development, qualification, and acceptance test plans

Drive design for manufacturability and testability in collaboration with production teams

Develop innovative propulsion component designs that reduce part count, complexity, and cost

Team Leadership

Manage a team of 46 propulsion engineers

Guide the team through technical problem-solving and decision-making

Foster a culture of accountability, independence, and continuous improvement

Support cross-functional communication with structures, fluids, avionics, and vehicle teams

Represent the propulsion team in design reviews, failure investigations, and program milestones

Execution & Delivery

Own the project schedule, drive team scrums, and track progress against milestones

Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery

Be present where the hardware isthis is an onsite, hands-on leadership role

Ensure the propulsion system is delivered on time, on budget, and flight-ready

We are a company committed to creating inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources Request Form (https://airtable.com/app21VjYyxLDIX0ez/shrOg4IQS1J6dRiMo) . The EEOC "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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Skills and Requirements

Bachelors degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience in propulsion or fluid systems, ideally in rocket engine development

Proven experience owning a complex system or assembly from concept through test

Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and rocket engine cycles

Hands-on experience with engine subcomponents (valves, regulators, tubing, etc.)

Working knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing techniques (machining, welding, NDE, assembly)

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Technically credible, decisive, and action-oriented Masters degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Experience with liquid rocket engine development, testing, or flight operations

Familiarity with CAD and configuration management tools (e.g., Siemens NX, Teamcenter)

Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, GFSSP, Winplot, or similar tools for data analysis

Experience with Jira or other project/configuration management platforms

In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, change management, and risk mitigation null

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion,sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military oruniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, andordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].