Solid Rocket Motor Engineer

About the company Our client is a defense technology company. The role Raydar is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Take ownership of propulsion development for a range of vehicle programs, moving designs from early concept through static firing and flight trials. Partner with colleagues in mechanical, materials and manufacturing disciplines, and help shape a new propulsion group in a fast-paced, hands-on setting. What you'll do - Lead motor architecture, grain geometry and internal ballistics work across several vehicle programs. - Partner with mechanical, propellant and production engineers on motor configurations and new formulations. - Fabricate motors and carry out static firings and flight trials at remote desert sites on a frequent schedule. - Review measured results after each firing to refine predictive models and revise the design. - Prepare rapid concept studies for additional motor sizes to support new business opportunities. - Help establish and grow a propulsion team as its first dedicated motor specialist. Requirements What we're looking for - At least 5 years of practical experience developing solid motors, ideally carrying a design from early grain concept through static firing. - Working knowledge of composite propellant motor design. - A bachelor's degree in an engineering or physical science discipline such as aerospace, mechanical or chemical engineering, or physics. - Comfort with quick build-and-test iteration in a zero-to-one setting. - Proven ability to hit performance goals using readily available materials and conventional formulations. - Familiarity with airframes and the vehicle systems that a solid motor drives. - Fluency with ballistic simulation and thermochemical modeling tools. - Practical test experience, including planning measurement setups, drafting test procedures and processing results afterward. - Daily use of modern AI tools in your workflow. - Ability to work on-site five days a week. Bonus points - Experience with motor flight testing. - Background in a corporate or commercial engineering setting. - Prior work at a missile developer or a startup building solid motors. Benefits Compensation and benefits - Base salary: USD 180,000 to 220,000 per year - Equity - Relocation support Location and work model - Los Angeles, CA, United States - On-site, 5 days per week in office - Periodic weekend travel to test sites and suppliers - Full-time