Principal Propulsion Engineer
Zone 5 Technologies
| Company | Zone 5 Technologies |
| Category | Uncategorised |
| Location | United States |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 14 Jul 2026 |
| Last verified | 30 Jul 2026 |
| Source | Employer career page (greenhouse) |
Description
At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here. The Principal Propulsion Engineer owns the design, analysis, and qualification of propulsion systems across Zone 5’s product line—spanning air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and next-generation munitions. This role is responsible for ensuring propulsion systems perform reliably under demanding flight, launch, and mission conditions.
You will work across the full lifecycle—from concept and trade studies through design, test, qualification, and production—partnering closely with GNC, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Integration & Test to deliver robust, scalable propulsion solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Own the technical design and performance of solid rocket motor systems and supporting propulsion subsystems across multiple concurrent programs, from concept through qualification and production
Lead internal ballistics, structural, and thermal analysis of motor cases, nozzles, propellant grains, igniters, and ignition safety components
Drive static fire test campaigns and ground test infrastructure by defining test plans, instrumentation, and acceptance criteria, and own root-cause investigation when anomalies occur
Translate system-level requirements (range, thrust profile, packaging constraints, rail/tube launch loads) into propulsion subsystem specs in close coordination with airframe and GNC
Partner with manufacturing and supply chain to design for producibility and scale — Zone 5 builds in quantity, not just for demonstration
Develop and maintain technical roadmaps for propulsion product lines, including commonality and cost-reduction strategy across programs
Represent propulsion technical status to customers, government stakeholders, and leadership; be the face of the subsystem on your programs
Mentor and grow propulsion engineers as the team scales under you; help build the test and design processes that don't yet exist
Maintain rigorous documentation, safety, and regulatory compliance for energetics and propulsion systems (handling, transport, range safety)
Qualifications
Required
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
8+ years of experience in propulsion system design, analysis, or test.
Strong experience with solid rocket motor design, including internal ballistics, propellant/grain design, motor case, and nozzle design.
Demonstrated ownership of propulsion systems from concept through flight test or production, not analysis in isolation.
Experience standing up or running static fire/hot fire test campaigns, including instrumentation, data reduction, and anomaly investigation.
Strong technical depth in at least two of: internal ballistics, structural analysis, thermal/ablation analysis, or nozzle design.
Familiarization with energetics handling, transport, and range safety requirements.
Programming or scripting experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or similar) for modeling and data analysis.
Strong troubleshooting skills in complex propulsion test environments. &n
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