Head of Propulsion Engineering

Venus Aerospace
401(k), stock options, remote work
United States, Texas, Houston
12577 Blume Avenue (Show on map)
Apr 04, 2025
We are a young hypersonic transportation company focused on doing what people once thought was impossible. We are a tech haven for engineers with vision who want more than just a job. And we have a place for you if you want to be part of creating flight vehicles that transform how people and nations connect. The Role: Head of Propulsion Engineering As Head of Propulsion Engineering you will be leading the department responsible for the design, analysis, development, and qualification of Venus propulsion systems, including rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) and our new detonation ramjet engine. Venus is a company with co-located test and fabrication facilities and fosters an environment of rapid innovation. Balancing a healthy level of technical concern with a passion to innovate quickly by knowing when and where to take risks drives success in this role: build a little, test a little, learn a lot. What You'll Get To Do: Lead and manage the technical direction of propulsion systems development. Ensure optimization for performance across mission profiles, design for manufacturability, ease of serviceability, and reusability via a deep understanding of the systems engineering approach and requirements-based design. Recruit, lead, and mentor a diverse team of engineers in designing and building propulsion systems, fluid modeling, and testing programs. Track and maintain the schedule for propulsion deliverables and manage multiple development and test programs. Work with manufacturing and additive teams to produce propulsion components and manage vendor relationships. Identify and mitigate technical risks to ensure successful system development. Own accountability of propulsion engineering readiness for design reviews from component to system level. Make significant technical contributions to new engine programs, leveraging expertise to advance technology and enhance performance capabilities. What You Have: The ideal candidate will be a multi-disciplinary leader with a diverse set of skills and experience leading teams through development to production. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in the design, development, and test of propulsion and fluid systems for aerospace applications (air breathing or rocket). Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience, with a track record of successfully managing people and technical teams, achieving shared objectives. Expertise in propulsion system design principles, fluid dynamics, combustion processes, and thermal management. Hands-on experience in designing products for manufacturing, leading efforts to improve reliability, with concrete examples of successful initiatives they spearheaded from start to finish. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with a proven track record delivering complex propulsion and fluid system projects from concept through qualification. Comprehensive knowledge of industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to propulsion system development and aerospace engineering (e.g. SMC-S-016 and SMC-S-025). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work in a hybrid in-person/remote work environment, with the capacity to effectively engage with stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and industry partners. What Will Set You Apart: Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Experience designing and/or testing rotating detonation engines. Experience going through the product development cycle from concept to production for air breathing or rocket engines, doing this for high speed systems (ram or scramjets) will truly set you apart. Experience leading cross-functional teams for technically challenging projects on tight timelines while staying on budget. Strong background in systems engineering for engine or propellant feed systems. Deep understanding of engine testing planning, executing, data analysis, leading anomaly investigations. Familiarity with standards such as SMC-S-016, NASA STD-5012, AIAA S-080A-2018. Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities. Location: This role is based on-site at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. About Venus Aerospace By enabling one hour global travel, Venus Aerospace is transforming the world and our access to it. We're building a spaceplane with a low carbon footprint that will enable one-hour global travel. We are a diverse, veteran team with extreme experience in successful new space, commercial, R&D, and government/military programs. We are looking for incredible, motivated, enthusiastic people that want to build a world-changing culture and organization. You will be helping Venus grow and develop, so flexibility and a sense of adventure is quintessential. We are looking for all-around AWESOME people to help us grow. We've done the professional grind, and we've got a better approach. We take "Home for Dinner" seriously - we want you to work for us and be "home for dinner". Family is important and we don't want you to miss out on what matters most. If that appeals to you, we'd love to connect! ITAR Requirements This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here . Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days. For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page . Apply for this job