Translate customer requirements and mission needs into robust, manufacturable TVC designs that meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule targets.
Execute design trades across TVC architectures, actuator types, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Help define and allocate TVC design and performance requirements and ensure designs meet flight‑control and structural needs.
Plan and support test campaigns from component-level through full‑scale joint actuation tests and integrated static‑fire TVC demonstrations to de‑risk new concepts and qualify systems.
Review test data and post‑test hardware to verify performance against predictions, identify anomalies, and drive design or process changes.
Provide hands‑on support for prototype assembly and test, including troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and integration issues on the build floor.
Drive cross-functional collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, test, systems, and supply chain teams to ensure nozzle designs meet all stakeholder needs.
Maintain aggressive but realistic project schedules, identifying key risks early and working with technical leads to implement mitigation plans.
Generate and review CAD models and engineering drawings in accordance with internal standards and ASME Y14.5‑2009/2018.
Maintain clear, organized technical documentation, including requirements, design reviews, test plans and reports, and verification/validation evidence.
Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to junior engineers, contributing to the team’s growth in nozzle design, materials, and manufacturing.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with thrust vector control systems, precision electromechanical mechanisms, rocket propulsion hardware, or closely related flight‑control actuation systems.
Experience with SRM TVC design, analysis, and integration into solid rocket motor architectures.
Ability to execute TVC mechanism and actuation system designs, including first‑order sizing and kinematics/dynamics analyses (actuation torque, stiffness, backlash, friction, inertia, and response).
Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools (e.g., structural/FEA, kinematics/dynamics, basic thermal analysis; exposure to control/servo analysis and aero/jet flow analysis is a plus).
Strong engineering fundamentals, including in‑depth knowledge of structural mechanics, dynamics, and actuators.
Familiarity with thermodynamics and fluid dynamics as they relate to SRM performance, nozzle flow, and side‑force generation.
Clear, effective written and verbal communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration, design reviews, customer discussions, and documentation.
Eligibility for a U.S. DoD Secret Clearance is required and maintaining that eligibility is a condition of employment.
Desired Experience
Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience architecting and designing TVC actuation and mechanism systems, including motor/gearbox selection, load path definition, stiffness/backlash management, and fault‑tolerant configurations.
Experience applying formal design criteria and recommended practices for SRM TVC from sources like NASA SP‑8114 or similar.
Understanding of design for additive manufacturing, including material behavior and design constraints for metal additive processes used in TVC components (e.g., actuator housings, brackets, manifolds).
Hands‑on involvement in rapid product development environments (prototype‑heavy, fast‑iteration programs).
Experience designing hardware for high‑rate, automated production, including DFM/DFA and process automation.
Experience with Siemens NX (CAD) and Ansys (FEA/structural, motion, or thermal) software packages.
DoD Secret security clearance or higher.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $105,840 - $132,300, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
EAP Program
Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.
