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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Propulsion Analyst

💰 $ - $

Aerospace EngineeringPropulsionSystems Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking an experienced Jet Propulsion Analyst to lead propulsion performance modeling, test planning, data reduction, and systems integration for chemical and electric propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical skills, hands-on test experience, and systems engineering discipline to support spacecraft and launch vehicle propulsion development, qualification, and flight support. This role requires expertise in propulsion physics, thermofluid and plume modeling, vacuum test operations, and cross-functional collaboration with structures, thermal, avionics, and mission design teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Propulsion Test Engineer
  • Aerospace Systems Engineer
  • Thruster Performance Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Jet Propulsion Analyst / Lead Propulsion Engineer
  • Propulsion Systems Architect / Chief Propulsion Engineer
  • Program or Mission Propulsion Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Engineering (Spacecraft or Launch Vehicle)
  • Mission Design and Trajectory Analysis
  • Thermal / Structures Engineering

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct detailed performance modeling and sizing for chemical and electric propulsion systems, including thrust, specific impulse (Isp), mass flow rates, propellant consumption, delta-v budgeting, and system-level mass/volume trades using MATLAB, Python, and model-based tools.
  • Develop and validate high-fidelity thermochemical and plume models (combustion modeling, plume impingement, contamination transport) to predict thruster–spacecraft interactions and inform placement/thermal protection strategies.
  • Lead design and execution of propulsion qualification and acceptance test programs: prepare test plans, define instrumentation and DAQ requirements, supervise hot-fire and cold-flow tests in vacuum chambers, and interpret results for flight readiness.
  • Perform fluid dynamics and heat transfer analyses for feed systems, injectors, combustion chambers, nozzle cooling, and thermal management of thruster assemblies using CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM) and hand-calculation checks.
  • Execute structural and dynamic analysis to assess mechanical loads, vibration, modal behavior, and buckling for thruster mounts and feedline supports; coordinate with structural engineers to ensure safe integration.
  • Model and analyze propellant management devices (PMDs), tanks, valves, regulators, and pressurization systems to ensure reliable propellant acquisition, settling, and feed under launch and on-orbit conditions.
  • Support electric propulsion (EPT/Hall-effect/ion) analysis including beam divergence, erosion rates, lifetime forecasting, efficiency mapping, and power/thermal interactions with the spacecraft bus.
  • Perform system-level trade studies comparing chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion architectures for mission scenarios; quantify mass, cost, power, and schedule impacts to recommend optimal solutions.
  • Develop and maintain propulsion system models and digital twins for mission planning and real-time operations; ensure models are version-controlled, validated, and accessible to mission operations teams.
  • Lead Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA/FMEA) and Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM) assessments for propulsion subsystems and support design mitigations.
  • Define and flow down propulsion requirements, acceptance criteria, and interface control documents (ICDs); manage requirements compliance in DOORS or equivalent requirements-management tools.
  • Generate propulsion subsystem specifications, drawings reviews, build-to-print support, and supplier technical statements of work; evaluate vendor proposals and perform technical bid reviews for thrusters, valves, and components.
  • Perform contamination and materials compatibility analyses for propellants (hydrazine, MMH, NTO, LOX, xenon, krypton) and coatings; develop contamination control plans and mitigation strategies for plume contamination and deposition.
  • Conduct mass properties and center-of-gravity impact studies for propulsion equipment and propellant load scenarios; update spacecraft mass models and contribute to dynamic stability analyses.
  • Plan and execute test data reduction, calibration, uncertainty quantification, and statistical trending; prepare engineering test reports and peer-reviewed technical summaries used in design reviews.
  • Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with propulsion analyses, test evidence, and readiness assessments; present technical findings and implement review action items.
  • Collaborate with avionics and power systems engineers to define power conditioning, thermal dissipation, and fault protection requirements for electric propulsion and power-hungry thruster subsystems.
  • Drive root-cause investigations for anomalies discovered during testing or flight operations; define corrective actions, update models, and implement design changes for improved robustness.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring for junior propulsion engineers, interns, and cross-functional team members; establish best practices for modeling, test safety, and documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards and safety procedures (NASA GRC/STD, MIL-STD, ECSS, hazard analyses) and implement safe handling and storage protocols for hazardous propellants.
  • Maintain and improve propulsion analysis toolchains (MATLAB/Simulink models, Python packages, CFD/FEA templates) and automation for rapid iteration during design and test phases.
  • Support mission ops: generate maneuver timelines, propulsion burn sequences, thruster firing tables, and onboard commanding constraints for trajectory control and orbit maintenance.
  • Interface with launch providers and integration teams to ensure propulsion system compatibility with launch vehicle environments, separation events, and ground support equipment requirements.
  • Contribute technical content for proposals, technology maturation plans, and research initiatives to advance propulsion capabilities and secure program funding.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist procurement and supply chain teams by specifying test fixtures, vacuum chamber requirements, and specialized instrumentation.
  • Provide operational support during pre-launch and launch campaigns, including troubleshooting and last-minute propulsion test verifications.
  • Maintain propulsion documentation repositories, including test procedures, safety data sheets (SDS), and lessons-learned logs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Propulsion system modeling and performance analysis (chemical and electric propulsion): delta-v, Isp, thrust, mass budgeting.
  • Thermochemistry, combustion analysis, and plume modeling experience.
  • CFD (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM) and FEA (ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN/equivalent) proficiency for nozzle, feedline, and thermal analyses.
  • Programming and scripting for analysis automation: MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy, SciPy, pandas), and familiarity with version control (Git).
  • Test planning and execution experience in vacuum chambers and hot-fire test stands; knowledge of instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) and signal conditioning.
  • Electric propulsion expertise: Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines, cathode operation, erosion modeling, and lifetime estimation.
  • Propellant handling, hazardous materials safety, and ground support equipment (GSE) operations for both storable and cryogenic propellants.
  • Requirements management and systems engineering tools: DOORS, Windchill, or equivalent; MBSE and SysML familiarity is a plus.
  • CAD and integration skills (SolidWorks, CATIA) for interfacing thruster hardware with spacecraft structures and thermal systems.
  • Experience with standards and compliance: NASA/ESA/MIL-STD/ECSS processes, design and test review preparation, and FMEA/FMECA methods.
  • Data reduction, uncertainty analysis, and test report preparation with strong attention to traceability and auditability.
  • Familiarity with mission tools and orbital mechanics basics to quantify propulsion impacts on mission profiles and maneuvers.
  • Experience with plume contamination analysis and materials compatibility testing.
  • Knowledge of pressurization systems, regulators, valves, and propellant management devices (PMD).

Soft Skills

  • Clear written and verbal communication tailored to engineering and non-engineering stakeholders.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration with systems, structures, thermal, avionics, and mission teams.
  • Analytical problem-solving and logical troubleshooting under schedule pressure.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple workstreams, and meet program milestones.
  • Attention to detail and disciplined documentation practices.
  • Mentorship and team leadership; ability to upskill less-experienced engineers.
  • Adaptability to evolving program requirements and experimental results.
  • Customer- and mission-focused mindset with the ability to translate requirements into practical engineering solutions.
  • Presentation skills for design reviews, technical briefs, and proposal defense.
  • Professional integrity and commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Propulsion, Thermal Sciences, Plasma Physics, or similar advanced degree with propulsion-focused research or thesis.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Physics (Applied/Plasma)
  • Electrical Engineering (for electric propulsion specialization)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–10 years of relevant propulsion engineering experience, depending on level.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with propulsion performance analysis and hot-fire test campaigns.
  • Documented experience with both chemical and electric propulsion systems, or deep specialization in at least one domain.
  • Demonstrated track record of successful contributions to PDR/CDR-level design reviews and flight hardware qualification.
  • Prior experience in aerospace industry programs, government labs, or university propulsion research centers is highly desirable.
  • Active security clearance preferred for some roles (specify if required by employer).
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