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Propulsion Engineer 

Overview and Background 

SPARC Research was founded in 2018 to advance state-of-the-art rocket and airbreathing technology development, preliminary design, and prototype demonstration using modern Multiphysics modeling tools. With industry leading years of combined experience in rocket propulsion, SPARC’s personnel create relationships with customers that are built on trust. 

Working with established propulsion suppliers, missile prime contractors, and Government laboratories to provide unique design solutions to demanding propulsion requirements, SPARC Research provides unbiased technical analyses and design solutions that our customers can count on. SPARC Research currently has 27 employees, numerous interns, and consultants, and is still growing. The SPARC team as a whole represents a combined 500+ years of experience in rocket propulsion and government contracting. 

Keys to company success: 

  • Relationships with customers that are built on trust 
  • Unbiased technical analysis and design solutions a customer can count on 
  • Providing a work life for employees that is enjoyable and rewarding 
  • A transparent management approach that recognizes personal employee contributions 
  • Engagement with educational institutions at all levels  

SPARC Research is in need of a Propulsion Engineer to join our team in Warrenton, VA. Our position requires mechanical design experience with a vast knowledge base of rocket motor propulsion designs.  

Job Responsibilities  

The Propulsion Engineer will perform propulsion design engineering assignments that require the application of engineering principles, theories, and concepts to develop components and integrated propulsion systems for missile programs; using 3D CAD tools, design propulsion systems, tooling, and components that will support the creation of detailed drawings used for manufacturing/procurement; work as a member and/or lead of a team with other disciplines to mature designs through component and system analyses and testing and support design reviews; prepare and present their work at internal and external customer reviews; provide support or lead new business activities through preliminary designs, trade studies, and planning as required.   

 

Requirements  

Our position requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or an appropriate equivalent discipline. 

Additional Requirements: 

  • Basic understanding of propulsion manufacturing processes (heat treating, welding, brazing, rough and finish machining)  
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)  
  • Satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, which requires U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency 
  • Mechanical design experience with CAD software tools (SolidWorks, CREO and/or NX) 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering 
  • Engineering expertise within solid and airbreathing propulsion system design  
  • Experience with risk management, program management, system requirement flow downs, and requirements tracking  
  • Experience in the design and development of mechanical structures, including thermal and structural analysis, practice, and principles  
  • General component and system-level knowledge of solid and liquid propulsion hardware 
  • Familiar with 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing 
  • Tooling design and fabrication experience 
  • A working knowledge of GD&T and ASME standards 
  • Active SECRET clearance