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Vaya Space · 2 months ago

Fluids Systems Design & Test Engineer - Defense Systems

Cocoa, Florida, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$103K/yr - $110K/yr

3+ years exp

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. As a Fluids Systems Design Engineer on our Test Team, you will lead the design, development, and commissioning of fluid systems for hybrid rocket engines and advanced hypersonic engines, directly shaping the characterization of next-generation propulsion technology.

AerospaceManufacturingTransportation

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design new fluids systems and ground support equipment for test stands: oxidizer supply and transfer, pneumatic distribution, high-pressure gas storage/regulation, plumbing and valve selection, instrumentation and piping/isometrics

Lead upgrades and retrofits of existing fluids systems to meet new test objectives and safety/regulatory requirements

Produce CAD models and detailed fabrication drawings (P&IDs, plumbing & instrumentation diagrams)

Perform thermofluid analyses, sizing, and simulations (e.g., transient flow, pressure/temperature margins) and use GFSSP or equivalent tools for system-level fluids modeling

Develop test procedures, checkout flows, and acceptance criteria for fluids systems; support test conduct as a control-room engineer

Reduce and analyze propulsion test data (mass flows, pressures, temperatures, system performance) and summarize results for test reports and post-test reviews

Implement and commission an air-breathing feed/conditioning capability on a hybrid propulsion test stand (system architecture, isolation/valving strategy, safety interlocks, instrumentation, and control integration)

Interface with structures, controls, test ops, safety, and fabrication teams to execute test campaigns and ensure readiness reviews and compliance

Perform other duties as required

Qualification

Fluids systems designCAD proficiencyThermofluid analysisData reduction scriptingOxidizer systems familiarityHigh-pressure gas systemsPneumatic controlsTest readiness proceduresWritten communicationVerbal communication

Required

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline

3+ years experience designing or operating fluids systems for propulsion, test stands, or GSE (oxidizer, pneumatic, or high-pressure gas)

Proficient in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and experienced producing P&IDs and fabrication drawings

Hands-on familiarity with oxidizer systems, high-pressure gas systems, and pneumatic controls (component selection, regulators, relief devices, transducers, quick-disconnects)

Experience with fluids analysis tools (GFSSP strongly preferred) or demonstrable experience performing thermofluid calculations, transient flow analysis, and system sizing

Strong data-reduction and scripting ability (Python/Matlab/Excel) for test data analysis and plotting

Familiarity with test-stand safety practices and ability to develop procedures and participate in Test Readiness Reviews

Excellent written and verbal communication; experience writing test procedures and reports

Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary

To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a 'U.S. Person' as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate

Eligible to gain and maintain a SECRET clearance if required

Preferred

MSci in a relevant engineering discipline

5+ years in propulsion test-stand fluids design and operations (or equivalent experience at launch/test providers)

Working knowledge of hybrid rocket engine and air-breathing ramjet engine concepts

Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids systems design, installation, and operation

Direct experience implementing air-breathing or hybrid feed systems, or experience with oxidizer/fuel conditioning systems

Experience with GFSSP (Gas Flow and System Simulation Program) for detailed system simulation and steady/transient analyses

Hands-on fabrication/installation experience with GSE, including supervising plumbing, leak checks, cryo-conditioning operations, and commissioning

Familiarity with control systems and DAQ integration for fluids systems (NI Hardware/LabVIEW experience a plus)

Prior experience with component qualification, supplier management for valves/regulators/transducers, and materials compatibility for cryogens, high-pressure gases, and oxidizers

Experience handling energetic materials

Understanding of appropriate test methodologies for rocket engine hardware