Propulsion Engineer

The Propulsion Engineer provides technical intelligence analysis and engineering expertise on foreign missile, rocket, and space-launch propulsion systems. The incumbent evaluates propulsion technologies, performance characteristics, development trends, and operational implications of adversary and emerging systems to support national-level intelligence assessments, defense planning, and strategic decision-making.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze foreign missile and space propulsion systems, including solid, liquid, hybrid, and advanced propulsion concepts (e.g., dual-pulse motors, throttleable engines, staged combustion, boost-glide propulsion).
• Assess propulsion system design, materials, manufacturing methods, performance parameters, and failure modes based on all-source intelligence.
• Conduct technical evaluations of thrust, specific impulse, burn profiles, staging, propellants, and engine cycles to determine system capabilities and limitations.
• Support development of missile performance models, trajectory analyses, and propulsion trade studies.
• Identify and assess foreign technological advancements, R&D trends, and potential future propulsion capabilities.
• Provide written intelligence products, including intelligence assessments, briefings, and technical reports for senior DoD, IC, and national leadership.
• Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and engineers across MSIC, DIA, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Community partners.
• Support red-team analyses and counterproliferation assessments related to missile and space-launch propulsion technologies.
• Participate in peer reviews and contribute to methodology development for propulsion intelligence analysis.
• Brief technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

5 years with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong foundational knowledge of rocket propulsion theory and systems engineering.
• Experience with missile, rocket, or space-launch vehicle propulsion systems, gained through government, industry, academia, or intelligence analysis.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and translate findings into clear, concise intelligence judgments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Active TS/SCI with the ability to sit and pass a polygraph

This position in located on-site in Huntsville, AL.

Desired Qualifications

• Solid Performance Program (SPP) analysis competency
• Experience analyzing foreign or adversary missile/space systems.
• Familiarity with intelligence analysis tradecraft and all-source methodologies.
• Experience with propulsion modeling tools, simulations, or performance analysis software.
• Knowledge of materials, energetics, manufacturing processes, or test infrastructure related to propulsion systems.
• Previous DoD, Intelligence Community, FFRDC, or defense industry experience.