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nou Systems, Inc. · 5 months ago

Senior SRM Propulsion Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$150K/yr - $250K/yr

7+ years exp

nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is a 100% ESOP company focused on innovative engineering and defense solutions. They are seeking a Senior SRM Propulsion Engineer to develop cutting-edge propulsion systems for low-cost interceptors, working closely with a small elite R&D team.

ConsultingGovernmentInformation Technology

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

You will be an integral part of a team developing a best-in-class interceptor around this seeker as our guidance and control lead

Starting from your knowledge of both first principles and practical deployment challenges, you'll architect, rapidly prototype, and implement the propulsion system for highly maneuverable, small diameter (120 mm and lower) surface-to-air interceptor designs

You will design optimal propellant grain geometries, develop thrust profiles that maximize kinematic performance, select and integrate ignition systems, and create innovative propulsion solutions that push the boundaries of what's achievable at low-cost in contested environments against stressing threats

Grain structure, binders, bonding/extrusion, and thrust profiles should be your bread and butter

You'll interface directly with aerodynamics, structures, manufacturing, and guidance experts to ensure your propulsion solutions exploit our seeker to the fullest

This includes developing tailored thrust profiles that optimize trajectory shaping, designing motors that maintain performance across temperature extremes and storage conditions, and creating propulsion systems that integrate seamlessly with our low-cost manufacturing approach

As part of our small, elite team, you'll take propulsion concepts from whiteboard sketches to static fires to flight tests in months, not years

Qualification

Solid rocket motor propulsionSolid propellant grain designPropellant formulationCharacterizationInternal ballistics modelingNozzle designMotor case designIgnition system designCombustion physicsRapid prototypingPropellant chemistryMotor performance predictionSPPPROPEP softwareStatistical analysis

Required

Master's degree minimum in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar technical field

Seven years of full-time professional experience in solid rocket motor propulsion

Must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret Security Clearance

Solid propellant grain design including 3D grain geometries, burn rate tailoring, and sliver optimization

Propellant formulation and characterization (composite, double-base, or CMDB propellants)

Internal ballistics modeling and analysis

Nozzle design including throat erosion prediction and thrust coefficient optimization

Motor case design, insulation systems, and thermal protection

Ignition system design and pyrotechnic safety

Impact of propulsion choices on platform cost, other subsystems, and integration/manufacturing complexity

Deep understanding of combustion physics, heat transfer, and gas dynamics in solid rocket motors

Sufficient technical expertise to understand the impact of flight trajectory requirements, divert requirements, packaging constraints, mass fraction targets, and environmental requirements on motor design

Proficiency in rapid prototyping of propulsion systems from concept through static fire and flight test

Demonstrated ability to develop propulsion solutions from first principles for various mission requirements

Strong background in propellant chemistry, formulation science, and aging characteristics

Experience with motor performance prediction and test correlation

SPP, PROPEP, or similar internal ballistics code

Experience with motor sizing and optimization tools

Tooling and safety for in-house prototyping of SRMs

Familiarity with statistical analysis for propellant batch variation