Propulsion Engineer (Advanced Systems)

Advanced Propulsion / QPRL Mid-Senior High Priority Hire — Aligned with Active Contract Pursuits

Propulsion Engineer (Advanced Systems)

Cleveland, OH (Primary) or Remote (U.S.-based) Full-Time Phased hiring based on investment timing and/or contract award Advanced Propulsion / QPRL $115,000–$175,000 annually

About the Role

Monarch Space Systems is seeking a Propulsion Engineer with advanced propulsion experience to contribute to next-generation propulsion research and aerospace systems development. This role supports design, analysis, and testing of propulsion systems aligned with NASA and DoD mission requirements. Ideal candidates will have prior work at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center or similar institutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze propulsion systems for aerospace and space systems applications
• Conduct modeling, simulation, and performance studies for advanced propulsion concepts
• Support testing, validation, and experimental campaigns for propulsion components and subsystems
• Contribute to proposals and research initiatives aligned with institutional propulsion programs
• Collaborate with materials science and systems engineering teams on integrated propulsion architectures
• Support technology readiness assessments and propulsion system trade studies

Ideal Candidate Profile

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in propulsion engineering or related aerospace systems
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid systems, and propulsion performance analysis

The qualifications above describe the ideal candidate profile for this position — not an inflexible checklist. Monarch Space Systems evaluates the whole of a candidate's experience, judgment, and mission alignment, and welcomes a conversation with individuals of exceptional ability whose backgrounds differ from the profile in some respects. Certain criteria — including U.S. citizenship and export-control ( ITAR / EAR ) eligibility, where stated — are legal mandates and cannot be waived.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center or equivalent government research center
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and combustion systems
• Experience with propulsion modeling tools ( CEA , NPSS , or equivalent)
• Familiarity with nuclear electric or nuclear thermal propulsion concepts

This position may require eligibility to access controlled or proprietary information and may be subject to confidentiality and employment agreements, including an NDA and role-specific restrictive covenants, in accordance with applicable laws.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off, federal holidays, and personal leave
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Downtown Cleveland parking or transit subsidy
• Collaborative, mission-driven institutional culture
• Contribution to foundational propulsion research programs