Propulsions Design Engineer 4
Date: Sep 16, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2147
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
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
The ULA Advanced Programs (AP) team is a multidisciplinary group that helps shape the evolution of future ULA launch vehicles, performs architectural trade studies, develops concepts for future product offerings, supports proposal development, creates technology development roadmaps, and develops new technologies through prototype build and flight experiments. As an AP propulsions design engineer, you will be developing and evaluating propulsion systems for future enhancements for Vulcan-Centaur and other launch vehicles.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead small teams to create and evaluate new propulsion system concepts
- Lead or perform propulsion system level trade studies to optimize new designs for new applications.
- Work with other technical disciplines to ensure the propulsion system design meets mission needs and meshes smoothly with other elements of the design
- Present concepts and analysis results at design reviews
- Lead and/or support prototype hardware build and test
- Provide propulsion engineering design and systems integration
- Work with suppliers including development of specifications, RFIs/RFPs, and interface documentation
- Coordinate activities of other AP propulsion engineers and provide mentoring
- Coordinate AP propulsion design activities with other ULA organizational leads
We are looking for team members with a passion for the space industry, who enjoy solving complex problems and can work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 6 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related field.
- Proficient in propulsion system design and analysis principals
- Familiarity with fluids and thermodynamics design and analysis tools
- Familiarity with electronics used to control propulsion system components
- Familiarity with structural design and dynamics analysis principals.
- Familiarity with ongoing AP propulsion-related projects
- Familiarity with rocket engine developments at other companies
- Familiarity with ULA launch vehicles
- Familiarity with avionics interfaces with engine controllers
- Proficient with Microsoft Office platform tools
- Proven verbal and written communication skills
- Proven team leadership skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain active DoD TS/SCI is required. US citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $126,765.00 - $211,275.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
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.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
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
Nearest Major Market: Denver