Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief : “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Propulsion Engineer to join our team in designing and developing a highly reliable lander propulsion system. In this role, you will play a critical part in shaping the propulsion architecture, driving component design, and ensuring system performance from initial concept through flight operations. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role ideal for engineers who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and want to make a tangible impact on space exploration missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Rapidly design, develop, and analyze a highly reliable lander propulsion system to meet mission performance and safety goals.
• Evaluate and define propulsion architectures and system-level requirements with a strong focus on manufacturability and integration feasibility.
• Drive component-level design and selection efforts, supporting system verification testing, troubleshooting, and closure of technical requirements.
• Establish and implement fluid analysis processes, and conduct performance tests on representative models or prototypes to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, hardware, supply chain, and systems integration teams to ensure seamless development and execution.
• Create and manage supplier Statements of Work (SOWs), ensuring alignment with program objectives and technical requirements.
• Own the full lifecycle of propulsion system components and sub-assemblies, including design, analysis, manufacturing, test, certification, and flight operations.
• Design and layout complex, highly integrated fluid and mechanical systems within tight spatial constraints.
• Resolve technical issues through innovative, resourceful, and data-driven engineering solutions.

Required Skills and Qualifications for this role :

What will make you stand out!

Engineer I Range : $81,000 to $121,000

Engineer II Range : $101,000 to $152,000

The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.

Health Coverage : Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.

Hybrid Work : Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.

Commuter Perks : Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.

Lunch Perks : Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.

Paid Time Off : 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.

Retirement : 401(k) plan with company matching.

Travel : Opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Stock Options : Participation in our stock option program.

Learning & Development : Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.

Team Culture : A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind.

#LI-LH1

At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin / ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All applicants who are offered employment with  ispace  US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.