Propulsion Systems Engineer at Karman+

Position: Propulsion Systems Engineer 

Location: Broomfield, CO

Position Type: Full-time

Mission: High Frontier – Design, Build, and Test the Propulsion Fluid Systems that Will Get Us There

At Karman+, we’re building spacecraft systems that will take us beyond Earth orbit. For the High Frontier mission, we need a hands-on Propulsion Systems Engineer to own the design and development of our reaction control system (RCS). This is a critical role focused on building real hardware—not just modeling ion engines. If you’re a practical engineer who thrives on pressure drop analysis, component testing, and getting your hands dirty with tanks, valves, and lines—this one’s for you.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

As the Propulsion Systems Engineer, you’ll have full lifecycle responsibility for specific propulsion subsystems on the High Frontier mission. You’ll design, analyze, integrate, test, and support the spacecraft's propulsion system to ensure precise maneuvering and reliable propulsion in space. This role requires deep technical expertise and hands-on problem-solving skills to drive subsystem success in a high-stakes environment.

This is an individual contributor role, focused on technical ownership rather than people management. You’ll work closely with other teams and suppliers, making independent engineering decisions to keep the project on track. If you’re passionate about spacecraft propulsion and thrive on solving complex engineering challenges, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities 

• Take ownership of the reaction control propulsion subsystem
• Perform fluid and thermal analysis (e.g., pressure drop, flow rates, heat loads) to validate the architecture
• Select and size components (e.g., valves, regulators, tanks, filters) and develop schematics and BOMs
• Drive hands-on integration, testing, troubleshooting, and iteration of propulsion hardware
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration
• Interface with suppliers and support component procurement and qualification
• Write test plans, oversee test execution, and analyze test data to validate system performance
• Ensure subsystem and components are designed, built and tested to Range Safety, launch vehicle provider and industry standards

What You Bring

• Experience with spacecraft or aerospace propulsion systems
• Comfort with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks or similar), thermal/fluid simulation tools (Fluent, GFSSP, etc), and testing
• Strong grasp of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and propulsion systems fundamentals
• Familiarity with component-level hardware testing, troubleshooting, and design iteration
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment
• BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline

Bonus If You Have

• Experience with chemical spacecraft propulsion systems (e.g., cold gas, hydrazine, green monopropellant)
• Direct work on system-level testing, propulsion integration, or environmental qualification
• Knowledge of pressure vessels, burst testing, and safety standards for pressurized systems

Requirements

• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field. 
• Demonstrated experience with thruster design, fluid dynamics, thermal management, and space-rated propulsion systems. 

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options. 
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Broomfield, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. 

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact [email protected].