Fluids Engineer - Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion
Job Description
Job Description
Fluids Systems Engineer - Develop Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion & Fluid Systems
Los Angeles, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a seed-stage space technology startup developing advanced spacecraft and propulsion systems for next-generation orbital missions. As a Fluids Systems Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, integration, and testing of critical fluid systems supporting both flight hardware and ground development infrastructure. This is a highly hands-on engineering role with ownership across the full product lifecycle, from system architecture and first-principles analysis through hardware development, testing, and qualification. You will work across spacecraft, propulsion, cryogenic, and thermal fluid systems while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable, flight-ready hardware.
About Us
We are an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced spacecraft and in-space propulsion technologies for commercial and government missions. Our engineering team is building highly integrated propulsion, fluid, and energy systems that enable more capable spacecraft while solving complex engineering challenges through rapid design, testing, and iteration. Engineers have broad ownership, move quickly, and directly influence both product development and company growth.
Job Duties
- Lead the architecture, design, and integration of spacecraft, propulsion, and ground support fluid systems.
- Develop fluid system schematics, P&IDs, component layouts, and system interface definitions.
- Design and size fluid components including tanks, valves, regulators, tubing, manifolds, pumps, instrumentation, and associated hardware.
- Support the development of cryogenic fluid systems including storage, transfer, thermal management, conditioning, and boil-off mitigation.
- Perform fluid dynamics, thermal, and pressurization analyses to guide engineering decisions.
- Develop analytical models, engineering calculations, and simulations using appropriate engineering tools.
- Create engineering drawings, assembly procedures, interface documentation, and test plans.
- Plan, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory and integrated propulsion system testing.
- Analyze test results and implement design improvements through structured engineering reviews.
- Lead system safety evaluations, hazard assessments, and safe operating procedures for pressurized and hazardous fluid systems.
- Collaborate with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and test engineering teams throughout development.
Qualifications
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience designing, analyzing, building, or testing fluid, propulsion, cryogenic, thermal, or mechanical systems.
- Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, compressible flow, and mechanical system design.
- Hands-on experience designing or integrating pressurized fluid systems and associated hardware.
- Experience developing engineering calculations and simulations using tools such as Python, MATLAB, CAD, FEA, CFD, or equivalent.
- Strong mechanical design experience including CAD, GD&T, material selection, manufacturability, and assembly.
- Familiarity with high-pressure systems, hazardous fluids, leak testing, cleanliness standards, and safe laboratory operations.
- Ability to solve complex engineering problems using first-principles thinking.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with significant technical ownership.
Preferred Experience
- Experience developing spacecraft propulsion or fluid systems.
- Background with cryogenic storage, transfer, or thermal management systems.
- Experience designing propulsion feed systems or pressurized fluid networks.
- Knowledge of hydrogen, oxygen, or other specialty fluid systems.
- Experience supporting prototype development, environmental testing, and hardware qualification.
- Startup or early-stage aerospace product development experience.
Why Join Us
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Equity participation through stock options.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) program.
- Paid time off.
- Opportunity to own critical spacecraft fluid systems from concept through flight.
- Significant technical ownership while working alongside experienced aerospace engineers.
- Career growth within a rapidly expanding seed-stage space company.
Compensation Details
$125,000 - $175,000