Propulsion Systems Engineer 3
Date: Jun 24, 2026
Location: Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 1773
Location: ULA - Cape Canaveral
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
As a Propulsion Systems Engineer with ULA, this engineering function provides engineering design, systems integration, subcontract management, product technical support and anomaly resolution for propulsion ground fluids systems (pneumatic, cryogenic and hydraulic). This role is focused on ground systems supporting Centaur V throughout all processing phases at the launch sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops system and component designs and requirements to satisfy overall propulsion systems requirements.
- The position requires mechanical design capability as well as understanding dynamic, structural and fluids analysis concepts.
- Must have the capability to perform system integration and perform system level trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Generates engineering drawings as well as assembly and testing requirements.
- Provides direct support to design team, suppliers, the factory, and the launch site to ensure production schedules are met, resolve anomalies, oversee acceptance testing, and streamline operations to improve efficiency.
- When anomalies occur, supports causal analysis that leads to effective resolution and corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
- Reviews the as-built product (hardware and associated software) and product test data to verify that the final product configuration and performance meets requirements and is ready for test and/or flight.Develops design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance.
- As a condition of employment, you must be able to obtain and thereafter maintain a favorable National Agency Check Inquiry (NAC-I) in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-501 entitled Personnel Security Program Management, or an equivalent approval, so that you have continuous unescorted access to all ULA work locations (including controlled/restricted areas) to perform your assigned work.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- At least 4+ years work experience in a related field
- Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited university or college.
- Ability to work independently to determine and develop solutions to a wide range of engineering problems.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Builds trust with teammates, can prioritize and execute tasks effectively for self that are aligned to program plans, and has the ability to respectfully give and receive constructive criticism.
- Must have the capability to perform system design and integration to meet requirements for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Desire to work with technical teams in design integration, activation, and sustaining engineering support of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic fluid systems.
- Ability to perform pre-launch walkdowns and console support. May include off-shift work to support launch schedules. On occasion, must be able to walk for multiple hours a day while going up and down ladders and stairs.
- Work may be performed at company or vendor facilities that require safety training and strict adherence to safety policies. Must be able to complete training for and maintain certification for occasional work within confined spaces, at heights, within clean room environments, in areas with loud noises, and within areas that require control of foreign object debris. Hazards may also include working with systems that store or transfer high pressure gases or liquids, cryogenic fluids, or other fuels, oxidizers, or inert commodities.
- Must be available for periodic travel to the other ULA sites or vendors. Must possess a valid driver's license to drive between work locations on a military base where public transportation is not available.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NX, AutoCAD Plant 3D, and Teamcenter
- Experience with pneumatic and cryogenic ground system design
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.
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