Mechanical Engineer, E-2 Development

As a mechanical engineer you will be a part of Andre Ivankovic’s team, supporting the Launcher E-2 liquid rocket engine development program.  Manufacture (additive and traditional), design, build, and test propulsion components and a fully integrated engine.

We have the ambitious goal for E-2 to be the world’s highest-performing engine for small launchers, while optimized for mass production and low cost.

You’ll have unique exposure to high-performance, single shaft, staged combustion turbopump designs imported from Ukraine which have been manufactured and tested in the USA. 

You will join a program with existing momentum which so far has (a) produced and successfully tested a full turbopump assembly, (b) produced and successfully tested a thrust chamber assembly on our test stand located at NASA Stennis Space Center, (c) produced and is currently testing a preburner.

You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine to a completed and reliable high-performance product (upcoming projects include: engine valves and plumbing, integrated engine long-duration testing, gimbal and actuators, onboard tanks, avionics, engine controller, wiring harness, final packaging design, flight weight reductions).

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing: work with our internal manufacturing team and external vendors to create finished E-2 parts.  Support parts through 3d-printing, machining, post-processing, and inspection.  Incorporate feedback to improve design for manufacturing.
• Design: work with our team and Chief Designer Igor Nikishchenko to advance the design of E-2.  Create models and drawings of parts and assemblies.  Perform calculations and analyses with team support.
• Assembly: work with our team to build propulsion component assemblies and the full engine to test at NASA Stennis Space Center.
• Documentation: Write procedures, work instructions, and document processes.
• Testing: Conduct tests of propulsion components and the full engine with our team at NASA Stennis Center.  Build out the Launcher E-2 Test Stand for full engine testing and maintain the stand. Troubleshoot fluid systems involving pressurized cylinders, regulators, tanks, valves, tubing, fittings, and other plumbing elements.  Work with the avionics team to properly integrate sensors and actuators into test stands.
• Communicate effectively with entire team to regularly provide updates on progress and issues.
• Always follow proper safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment in the workplace.

Required Skills

• Ability to work as a teammate and independently to achieve ambitious goals.
• Hands-on engineering (Full-stack: computer to wrench to broom).
• Communication (Written, visual, slides).
• CAD (NX preferred).
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Problem-solving.
• Capable to grow positive, respectful, and professional relationships.
• Willing to make mistakes, take responsibilities, work independently and be transparent about your work.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Must be willing to spend 50% of their time at NASA Stennis Space Center (Fully paid travel and hotel while there).
• Must have a strong personal projects engineering portfolio (CAD, CAM, software, documentation).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift 35 lbs unassisted.
• Able to stand for extended periods.
• Work in an outdoor environment exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work overtime and adapt to a varying schedule.

Optional Experience

• 2+ years of industry experience with rocket engine or fluid system design, development, fabrication, assembly, or test (internships included)
• CFD, FEA (Ansys)
• DAQs & Labview
• CAM
• Coding (MATLAB, C++, javascript, C, Arduino)
• General ‘making’ skills (Machining, CNC, welding, assembly)

ITAR Requirement

As we must adhere to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 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. All applicants must indicate their immigration status on their resume and/or cover letter.

Equal Opportunity

Launcher is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to 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.