Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Components Team)
Venus Aerospace
Houston, TX · Posted October 1, 2026
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About the job
Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.
The Role: Sr. Propulsion Engineer (Components Team) As a Senior Propulsion Engineer on the components team, you will be involved in the design, analysis, procurement, testing, and development of propulsion hardware used to develop Propellant & Pressure Management (PPMS) systems. You will be responsible for taking designs from varying levels of readiness to flight maturity hardware. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
What You'll Get To Do
Support design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion piece parts and assemblies
Generate CAD models of components and test systems
Hands on testing of off the shelf and custom hardware designs, as well as supporting larger system and engine testing
Develop and execute test plans, analyze test results
Fluid network modeling, analysis & design: design and analysis engine fluid systems, identify COTS components for fluid systems, work with suppliers to source components.
Systems engineering focusing on generating and collecting, validating, and verifying component requirements
Use agile methodology to break down complex projects into daily and weekly actionable tasks
Work with PPMS, engine, and vehicle engineering and test teams to satisfy engine systems design requirements and communicate engine systems test requirements
Generate P&ID’s of test stand systems
Work with outside vendors and in-house procurement team to select and source components
What You Have
The ideal candidate will be a multi-disciplinary engineer with a diverse set of skills and experience in some or most of these fields of expertise: mechanical and fluid systems designs, structural/thermal design & analysis, testing & data analysis, hands-on experience with assembling & testing propulsion components, generating CAD models & drawings, designing for manufacturing (DFM), and excellent communication & people skills.
5+ years of aerospace vehicle and component design/testing experience
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
3+ years of CAD experience
Systems engineering and hands on operational experience
Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams
Knowledge of standard aerospace materials used in designs of propulsion systems for high mechanical and thermal loads
Knowledge of aerospace fluid systems component and fluid connections specifications
Experience in some of the design & analysis tools such as NX / SolidWorks, ANSYS mechanical, CFX / StarCCM+, Matlab / Python, GFSSP, Microsoft Visio
Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate in a fast-paced work environment
What Will Set You Apart
Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Experience with RDREs or RDEs
Project management/leadership
Familiarity with Agile methods
Strong background in systems engineering for PPMS systems
Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, and AIAA S-080A-2018
Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing
ITAR Requirements This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here.
Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.
For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.