Propulsion Engineer

Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary

Estes Energetics is searching for a Propulsion Engineer to join our solid rocket motor (SRM) design and manufacturing operations in Penrose, Colorado, about 35 minutes south of Colorado Springs. The Propulsion Engineer will primarily be responsible for developing new rocket motor designs and components, energetic materials manufacturing tooling and processes, as well as getting hands on exposure to all associated equipment. You will work alongside experienced senior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute to the success of our development and production energetics facility in Colorado. This is a great career opportunity for early and mid-career engineers, particularly those with experience in energetics manufacturing, rocket motor design or analysis, as well general aerospace or defense industry experience.

Essential Functions

• Develop solid rocket motors and energetic manufacturing capabilities, including the clean sheet design of rocket motor systems and components, support equipment, tooling, quality, and testing.
• Design and manufacture solid rocket propellants, components, and systems.
• Perform analysis of rocket motor ballistics, component and rocket motor designs, to include structural and thermal analysis.
• Perform rocket motor testing and support rocket motor qualification efforts.
• Implement existing technologies into rocket motor designs and manufacturing processes and evaluate new technologies for energetics and rocket motor design, performance improvements, manufacturing and testing.
• Own the design, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting efforts across multiple technology areas including propulsion and propellant and energetic materials.
• Perform other aerospace, chemical, and defense research, development, and production projects as opportunities become available.
• Mentor less experienced engineers on areas of expertise to help develop the team.
• Collaborate with multi-functional team to develop solutions to complex problems.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

• BS or MS in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, electrical, or other relevant engineering fields.
• At least 3 years of experience in aerospace/defense industry, energetic materials, rocket propulsion, composites, or other relevant fields.
• Hands on skills such as machining, hobby rocketry, automotive/mechanics, prototype fabrication, carpentry, pipe fitting, electronics, etc.
• Conceptual skills such as mechanical design, CAD, and analytical evaluation.
• Engineering skills such as mechanical design, Computer Aided Design (CAD), data analysis, first-order calculations for initial sizing and design or performance, and structural analysis using hand-calculations.
• Willingness to perform both conceptual and hands-on tasks.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses including:
• • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Pass pre-employment drug test.
  • Pass State and Federal background checks.

Desired

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in rocket propulsion development, chemical manufacturing, automation, engineering, or a similar field. Note that internship experience, undergraduate research, university design teams, or personal projects in these areas may be considered as counting towards this goal.
• Familiarity or experience with finite element analysis (FEA), structural analysis, propellant-grain structural analysis, and/or thermal analysis.
• Familiarity or experience with solid rocket motor ballistics analysis, flight simulation analysis, or other numerical analysis tools.
• Experience with formulating, mixing, or casting propellants and explosives.
• Familiarity or experience with material mechanical property testing.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses
• Lab testing experience, including mechanical, chemical, or thermal property testing.
• Experience creating executable plans for individual work or small teams.
• Project engineering exposure and/or experience.

Work Environment

The work will be primarily in office and manufacturing environments. Some time may be spent working with energetic chemicals and explosives.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and explosives.
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location.

Travel

5-10% to visit suppliers, vendors, customers or attend conferences and networking events as opportunities become available.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, working a 9/80 schedule.

Benefits

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match with vesting at 30 days
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy
• 9 Paid Holidays

Work Authorization

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

[{'location': 'Penrose', 'currency': 'USD', 'frequency': 'YEAR', 'rangeStart': 75000.0, 'rangeEnd': 120000.0, 'isRemote': False}]