Launch Vehicle Propulsion Engineer

Arcfield was purpose-built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in digital transformation, space mission engineering and launch assurance, miniaturized sensors and satellites, advanced modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,500 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 60 years of collective proven experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, space exploration, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence and warfighter readiness. Visit arcfield.com for more details.

This position is seeking an experienced subject matter expert who will be a part of the Office of Space Launch (OSL) Mission Assurance Team (MAT) and perform independent and objective technical risk assessments at the system and subassembly level for mission critical launch vehicle liquid rocket engines and propulsion subsystems. The role includes identifying and assessing mission risk associated with deviations to the design baseline, including hardware non-conformances, out-of-family conditions, out-of-position work, and mission unique changes. The ideal candidate shall have experience with the design and performance evaluation of liquid rocket engine hardware, including turbopumps, injectors and thrust chambers. Experience working with pneumatic, cryogenic and hydraulic system valves, thrust vector control actuators, and various stage propulsion system hardware is also desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate design changes, qualification status, test plans, test data, analyses, and ground test and flight data for liquid rocket engines and propulsion system hardware, e.g., valves, thrusters, etc.
• Assess the impacts of ground test and flight anomalies on future missions
• Participate in the assessment/review of launch vehicle provider and sub-tier supplier hardware as well as evaluating the subassembly integration of the engines and launch vehicle hardware at the manufacturing / integration facilities and launch site.
• Coordinate with the MAT Avionics and Structures disciplines on issues as required.
• Provide MAT leadership with insights into launch vehicle provider technical activities, issues and reviews (Engineering meetings, Anomaly investigations, etc.).
• Document technical issues and perform risk assessments using common on-line tools.
• Provide support for customer briefings and working group meetings.

Requirements:

• Fifteen (15) years experience working with the design and test of launch vehicle liquid rocket engine hardware, pneumatic systems, hydraulic actuators and related flight and ground system interfaces. The applicant must have the capability to create or evaluate analytical models as necessary to complete a risk assessment (e.g. gas dynamics, thermodynamics, hardware stress, etc.). Working knowledge of rocket system mechanical and solid rocket motor designs is a benefit.
• A solid understanding in mechanical and fluid systems engineering principles with both excellent analytical and experimental skills to solve challenging problems.
• Familiarity with rocket systems used to launch future OSL payloads is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to conduct failure investigations, trade studies and risk assessments.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• The applicant needs to be a self-starter and be able to work independently.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Astronautical, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• BS 12-15, MS 10-13, PhD 8-10

Travel:

• The program supports travel to the launch vehicle manufacturer, major element suppliers and integration/launch facilities. This position will require some travel (~25%) to conduct job duties.

EEO

Arcfield proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active-Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law.