Propulsion Engineer at Estes Energetics

Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary  

Estes Energetics is strengthening the defense industrial base by revitalizing the manufacturing of solid rocket motors. In support of this work, Estes Energetics is searching for a propulsion engineer at our Colorado research and development facility near Colorado Springs. The engineer will focus on developing new rocket motor manufacturing processes, testing, and performing related research efforts. The ideal candidate will have a minimum 1 year of practical, hands-on experience in rocket propulsion, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a similar field.

Essential Functions  

• Work with the engineering team to develop technical solutions supporting the growth of solid rocket motor production capabilities and the clean sheet design of solid rocket motors, rocket systems, and energetic materials. 
• Design and develop new testing hardware to evaluate propellant performance and meet customer needs.
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders to support planning, budgeting, and technical reviews.
• Solid rocket motor responsibilities include manufacturing solid rocket propellant and energetic materials, conducting static testing and motor qualification efforts, analyzing testing data, and pursuing facility growth and modernization.

Competencies, Experience, and Education  

Required  

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. 
• 1-5 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, rocket propulsion development, chemical engineering, or a similar field. Note that internship experience, undergraduate research, university design teams, or personal projects in these areas may be considered as counting towards this goal. 
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:     

 Desired  

• Experience with handling and testing of energetic materials. 
• Programming competency in LabVIEW. 
• CAD modeling experience (Autodesk AutoCAD or Autodesk Inventor preferred). 
• Hands on skills such as machining, prototype fabrication, carpentry, electronics, etc.  
• Construction experience, either professional or personal. 
• Programming and troubleshooting experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs). 
• Interest in performing both conceptual tasks and hands-on tasks. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills. 
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.  
• Ability to be a self-starter and solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a team. 

Salary 

60,000 to 110,000 Depending on Experience

Work Environment 

The work will be primarily in office and manufacturing environments.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift 50 pounds. 
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. 
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and explosives. 
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment. 
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location. 

Travel 

5 - 10%

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Typical workdays are on a 5-day week. Employees are expected to work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. 

Benefits 

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Health insurance through an ICHRA. 

• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company. 

• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match. 

• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy. 

Work Authorization 

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program 

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters  

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.