Senior Propulsion / Turbomachinery Engineer I
CesiumAstro
El Segundo, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 13, 2025
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are seeking a skilled Senior Propulsion / Turbomachinery Engineer I with experience in the aerodynamic and mechanical design of radial and axial turbomachinery systems. In this position, you will design, analyze and test critical components for propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in R&D of liquid rocket engines turbomachinery for various applications, combined with practical experience in experimental development and testing of high-performance rotating machinery.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Execute CFD analyses (steady, transient, multiphase) to evaluate the performance of turbomachinery components of liquid rocket engine feed system, including compressors, turbines, and pumps.
- Perform structural and thermal FEA to ensure mechanical integrity under operation loads.
- Design aerodynamic flow paths and optimize turbomachinery elements using specialized software tools.
- Support the design, optimization, and development of turbomachinery across propulsion systems.
- Define, document, and maintain system and subsystem requirements.
- Develop CAD models and prepare designs for prototyping and manufacturing.
- Develop test programs, analyze experimental data, and apply results to improve design iterations.
- Provide technical support through all phases of the product lifecycle from concept development through qualification and production.
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, aerospace, and controls engineering.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related fields.
- Minimum 4 years of industry experience in aerospace propulsion systems.
- Expertise in Ansys CFX, Fluent, and Mechanical for simulation tasks.
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer in rotating machinery.
- Proficiency in CAD (Siemens NX, SolidWorks).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Prior experience with cryogenic systems, liquid rocket engine turbopumps, or aviation engines.
- Hands-on experience in test bench setups and test article performance diagnostics.
- Knowledge of rotor dynamics and vibration analysis.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package featuring health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
