Propulsion Engineer

Program Overview

About The Role

The Propulsion Engineer provides technical intelligence analysis and engineering expertise on foreign missile, rocket, and space-launch propulsion systems. The incumbent evaluates propulsion technologies, performance characteristics, development trends, and operational implications of adversary and emerging systems to support national-level intelligence assessments, defense planning, and strategic decision-making.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze foreign missile and space propulsion systems, including solid, liquid, hybrid, and advanced propulsion concepts (e.g., dual-pulse motors, throttleable engines, staged combustion, boost-glide propulsion).
• Assess propulsion system design, materials, manufacturing methods, performance parameters, and failure modes based on all-source intelligence.
• Conduct technical evaluations of thrust, specific impulse, burn profiles, staging, propellants, and engine cycles to determine system capabilities and limitations.
• Support development of missile performance models, trajectory analyses, and propulsion trade studies.
• Identify and assess foreign technological advancements, R&D trends, and potential future propulsion capabilities.
• Provide written intelligence products, including intelligence assessments, briefings, and technical reports for senior DoD, IC, and national leadership.
• Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and engineers across MSIC, DIA, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Community partners.
• Support red-team analyses and counterproliferation assessments related to missile and space-launch propulsion technologies.
• Participate in peer reviews and contribute to methodology development for propulsion intelligence analysis.
• Brief technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Qualifications

5 years with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong foundational knowledge of rocket propulsion theory and systems engineering.
• Experience with missile, rocket, or space-launch vehicle propulsion systems, gained through government, industry, academia, or intelligence analysis.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and translate findings into clear, concise intelligence judgments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Solid Performance Program (SPP) analysis competency
• Active TS/SCI with the ability to sit and pass a polygraph

This position in located on-site in Huntsville, AL.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience analyzing foreign or adversary missile/space systems.
• Familiarity with intelligence analysis tradecraft and all-source methodologies.
• Experience with propulsion modeling tools, simulations, or performance analysis software.
• Knowledge of materials, energetics, manufacturing processes, or test infrastructure related to propulsion systems.
• Previous DoD, Intelligence Community, FFRDC, or defense industry experience.

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Duration Statement: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.