Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Solid Rocket Motor Integration)

Job Overview

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a crucial role in designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms. You will be part of the Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team, responsible for developing high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the selection, design, and integration of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs), ignition systems, Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems, and associated ordnance.
• Design, fabricate, and test prototype components, structural interfaces, and thrust vectoring or ignition control systems.
• Plan and execute ground static fire, environmental, and integration tests of solid rocket propulsion systems.
• Coordinate with SRM vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Contribute to CAD design for structural integration, motor cases, nozzles, blast tubes, and aerodynamic / structural interfaces.
• Travel to vendor sites, test sites, and test ranges as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience on tactical missiles, launch vehicles, or air vehicles.
• Experience with Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) for defense or aerospace applications.
• In-depth knowledge of rocket internal ballistics, performance modeling, and grain design.
• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer or technical authority on a major solid rocket propulsion program.
• Experience identifying and selecting strategic SRM suppliers, managing critical OEM relationships, and establishing qualified supply chains.
• Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs and troubleshooting system-level anomalies.
• Ability to advise executive leadership on technical risks and represent the company to key customers.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB.
• Hands-on experience with solid rocket motor testing, including static fire test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
• Previous work experience at a Solid Rocket Motor OEM or supplier.
• Knowledge and experience working with Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems, Ignition Safety Devices (ISD / ESAD), ordnance systems, telemetry / flight termination systems, burn rate enhancers (BRE).
• Experience tailoring and conducting sensitive munition testing.
• Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Benefits

Anduril offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Equity grants
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $253,000 - $336,000 USD per year.