Lead Propulsion Engineer

Company Overview  
BluShift Aerospace is an employee-owned rocket launch company based in Brunswick, Maine, specializing in developing and utilizing our eco-friendly space propulsion technologies for the burgeoning smallsat and cubesat markets. The company is designing suborbital and small-lift orbital rockets that utilize our fuel in a novel hybrid propulsion system. BluShift is bolstered by significant backing from prestigious institutions such as NASA and MTI alongside private investors. With plans to launch from our own private sea-based launch platform in Maine, BluShift is actively seeking innovative aerospace / propulsion engineers to contribute to our mission of pioneering sustainable space travel solutions. 

Job Description
bluShift Aerospace is seeking an engineer with proven experience in design, build, and test of hybrid or liquid rockets. 

As a Lead Propulsion Engineer at bluShift Aerospace, you will be responsible for spearheading the development and optimization of our innovative hybrid rocket propulsion systems. Your day-to-day tasks will involve detailed design and simulation, coordination of build and assembly processes, and hands-on testing and validation of rocket engines and components. You'll work closely with interdisciplinary teams to integrate propulsion systems with vehicle architectures, focusing on enhancing performance, safety, and reliability. Additionally, you will oversee the troubleshooting and resolution of engineering issues, provide technical leadership during launch campaigns, and contribute to continuous improvement of the propulsion system.  

Qualifications + Skills

Education: Minimum of a BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent engineering field 

Required Technical Skills / Experience:  

  • Proficiency in thermal management systems for aerospace applications, including heat transfer analysis and cooling system design. 

  • Expertise in the use of MATLAB / Simulink (or similar software) for simulation, data analysis, and algorithm development specific to aerospace applications. 

  • Experience with structural analysis software for stress and vibration assessment. 

  • Skilled in CAD, drafting, interpreting, and implementing technical specifications and regulatory compliance guidelines for aerospace systems. 

  • Proficiency in propulsion system testing methodologies, including both static and dynamic testing environments. 

  • Materials selection for high-stress and high-temperature propulsion applications. 

  • Experience with manufacturing processes, including familiarity with CNC machining, additive manufacturing, composites. 

  • Demonstrated capability in leading R&D projects from conception through testing, including setting milestones, budgeting, and cross-functional team management. 

  • Have designed, built, and tested fluid or hybrid rocket propulsion systems. 

  • Extensive experience in the design and analysis of fluid dynamics as it pertains to rocket propulsion systems. 

  • Ability to lead projects that involve the integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components. 

Ideal Skills / Experience: 

  • Have played a critical role in the design, build, test and/or launch of commercial rockets. 

  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. 

  • Familiar with National Instruments LabView (or similar) hardware and software for control and data acquisition 

  • Ideal candidate will be familiar with Siemens NX, ANSYS, Matlab, Labview

Location

  • Primary Work Location: bluShift Aerospace HQ (2 Pegasus St, Suite 2 in Brunswick, ME 04011) 

  • 2 miles from our HQ is the outdoor static engine test site on the Brunswick Executive Airport 

  • Fieldwork at various launch locations will require occasional travel 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary range depends on the candidate, from less than 3 years of experience in a semi-related field($90k) to veteran engineers who have worked on liquid or hybrid rocket launch systems (up to $140k). 

  • Stock options 

  • Start with 3 weeks of PTO, increases over time 

  • 8 paid holidays 

  • Health coverage includes 75% of the cost through the Maine Health Portal.  

Career Development Opportunities

  • Attend and potentially present at conferences such as National Suborbital Research Conference, Space Tech Expo, and Space Symposium 

  • Professional growth through academic courses funded by bluShift up to $5,000 per year. 

  • Advance into a technical or business leadership role as our small company grows. 

Additional Information

  • Hiring now for on-site employment in Brunswick, Maine 

  • Flexible start and finish times, but typically around 9 a.m. with a minimum 40-hour work week 

  • Weekend operations may occur during critical phases of launch and testing 

  • This position will report directly to the Lead Mechanical Engineer 

  • FSLA Status: Exempt.  

  • The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. 

  • bluShift is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Company to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. The Company will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. The Company will take action to employ, advance in employment and treat qualified Vietnam era veterans and disabled veterans without discrimination in all employment practices. 

    Note: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.  

To apply, submit a form response on our Careers page. Any submissions outside of this form will not be considered.