Missile Propulsion Engineer - Solid Rocket Motors & Defense Systems

Location: Arlington, Virginia
Salary: $170,000–$230,000 per year

Advance the development and evaluation of solid rocket propulsion systems for tactical missile programs. In this role, you’ll bring technical expertise and engineering leadership to propulsion design, testing, and performance validation while helping guide complex defense programs from technical objectives to program execution.

What You’ll Get

• Strong benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus company-sponsored life insurance and short- and long-term disability protection.

• Retirement savings: A 401(k) with company matching contributions up to 5% of salary.

• Time off: Generous paid time off and paid holidays.

• Commuter benefits: Support for commuting to the Arlington worksite.

• Leadership opportunity: Contribute technical recommendations, guide engineering teams, and support important program decisions.

• Additional compensation: Annual and performance bonuses. Relocation assistance may be available.

What You’ll Do

• Provide technical oversight of solid rocket motor design, integration, testing, and performance validation.

• Develop and review test plans, evaluate results, and assess compliance with propulsion performance requirements.

• Lead or coordinate technical teams and review contractor deliverables.

• Advise program leadership on technical risks, acquisition strategies, and program execution.

• Monitor contract performance and program progress, identifying issues and communicating findings.

• Prepare technical briefings, program plans, and documentation for government stakeholders.

• Coordinate with government program teams, contractors, and federal agencies.

What You’ll Need

• At least 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion systems and weapons development.

• Strong technical expertise in solid rocket motor design and propulsion systems.

• Hands-on experience with solid rocket motor testing, performance evaluation, and validation.

• Experience supporting tactical missile development or related defense propulsion programs.

• An active Secret security clearance or higher.

• Engineering management, technical leadership, or experience leading propulsion engineering teams.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related discipline.

• Strong technical communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to work on-site in Arlington, Virginia, and travel domestically approximately 30% of the time.

Preferred: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or access; a master’s or doctoral degree; experience with DARPA-funded programs and technical program execution.