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Specter Aerospace

Develops plasma-assisted propulsion for aerospace defense

Performance Analyst 3/4

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
No salary listed
Mid, Senior
Bachelor's, Master's
Peabody, MA, USA
In PersonBased in the Peabody office.
Aerospace EngineeringPropulsion, Flight Dynamics & GNC
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related discipline.
  • At least 3 years of relevant full-time experience.
  • Experience or interest in conducting performance analyses of weapon systems.
  • Experience with or willingness to learn trajectory optimization software such as OTIS, QuickShot, or Dymos.
  • Experience using scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB to support analysis.
  • Ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead performance assessments and trade studies in support of high-speed airbreathing weapon system design.
  • Provide guidance and support to junior staff conducting performance analyses.
  • Use three-degree-of-freedom trajectory optimization software (OTIS, QuickShot, or Dymos) for performance analysis.
  • Execute six-degree-of-freedom simulations and statistically analyze the results.
  • Communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Generate propulsion models using internally developed codes.
  • Coordinate with the design team and provide feedback on system design.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • At least 7 years of relevant full-time experience.
  • Experience directing performance analysis for high-speed weapon systems.
  • Experience integrating aerodynamic and propulsion models to inform system performance.
  • Experience conducting performance trade studies to inform system design.
  • Experience supporting survivability analyses using AFSIM and ESAMS.
  • Willingness to learn or perform supporting analyses in computational fluid dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control, or propulsion.
  • An active Department of Defense security clearance.

About the company

Specter Aerospace develops propulsion technologies for aerospace and defense, focusing on plasma-assisted combustion and hypersonic propulsion. The company designs advanced propulsion systems to improve jet engine efficiency and performance for high-speed flight. Its approach uses plasma to assist combustion, enabling more stable and efficient engine operation at high speeds, which is especially valuable for hypersonic vehicles. Unlike many competitors, Specter Aerospace emphasizes partnerships and contracting with government agencies (notably the DoD) and collaborates with other aerospace players, supported by both government funding and venture capital. The company aims to advance practical, propulsion-powered capabilities for defense and aerospace needs, driving more efficient engines and enabling reliable hypersonic performance.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$14.4M

Headquarters

Peabody, Kansas

Founded

2013

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • September 15, 2026 partnership targets scalable hypersonic munitions for the Department of War.
  • June 13, 2023 funding added $9.5 million from DoD, CS Ventures, and Mandala Ventures.
  • March 25, 2026 nTop collaboration and August 25, 2026 Massachusetts hosting signal strong ecosystem momentum.

What critics are saying

  • The hypersonic factory is not built; site, funding, and timeline remain unresolved.
  • No disclosed contract value or production-rate targets leave the VulcanForms deal commercially unproven.
  • GE Aerospace’s DIU hypersonic test-bed win intensifies competition for future Pentagon programs.

What makes Specter Aerospace unique

  • Specter’s plasma-assisted combustion targets hypersonic engines with nearly decade-long test and build experience.
  • September 15, 2026 VulcanForms partnership adds additive manufacturing and all-up-round integration depth.
  • Boston-area defense pedigree and DoW relationships strengthen credibility in mission-driven propulsion work.

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Benefits

  • Hybrid Work Options

Company News

PR Newswire
Sep 15th, 2026
VulcanForms and Specter Aerospace partner to scale US hypersonic munitions manufacturing

VulcanForms and Specter Aerospace have announced a strategic partnership to manufacture airbreathing hypersonic weapons at scale for the US Department of War. The collaboration will establish a dedicated hypersonic manufacturing facility integrating VulcanForms' 3D printing and high-volume manufacturing capabilities with Specter's nearly decade-long experience building hypersonic missiles. The partnership aims to produce low-cost hypersonic munitions, interceptors and cruise missiles to meet national security requirements. Both companies are conducting a nationwide site evaluation for the future production facility whilst leveraging their existing production-ready facilities. Specter Aerospace CEO Felipe Gomez del Campo said the partnership responds to the urgency of delivering hypersonic munitions to the US Joint Force. VulcanForms Executive Vice President Matthew Rose emphasised the importance of partnerships that embrace physical AI and leverage lessons from commercial industries.

PR Newswire
Jun 13th, 2023
Specter Aerospace Receives $9.5 Million in Funding from the Department of Defense (DoD) and Investment Firms, CS Ventures and Mandala Ventures

/PRNewswire/ -- Specter Aerospace, a Boston area defense contractor, specializing in the field of plasma-assisted combustion and hypersonic propulsion,...