Propulsion Manager

The Propulsion Manager for the Vira engine is a hybrid role that blends deep technical ownership with people and project leadership. While titled as a manager, this individual is fundamentally the Responsible Engineer (RE) for the Vira upper-stage liquid rocket engine—owning its design, development, testing, and delivery from concept to flight.
You will lead a team of propulsion engineers to develop a vacuum-optimized, high-performance engine that emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This is a hands-on, high-accountability role where you’ll be expected to lead by example, solve complex technical challenges, and drive execution in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Ownership
• Serve as the technical product owner for the Vira engine system
• Lead the design, analysis, testing, and iteration of the engine and its subsystems
• Translate long-term technical roadmaps into actionable daily priorities
• Provide hands-on support during engine builds and test campaigns
• Author and execute development, qualification, and acceptance test plans
• Drive design for manufacturability and testability in collaboration with production teams
• Develop innovative propulsion component designs that reduce part count, complexity, and cost
Team Leadership
• Manage a team of 4–6 propulsion engineers
• Guide the team through technical problem-solving and decision-making
• Foster a culture of accountability, independence, and continuous improvement
• Support cross-functional communication with structures, fluids, avionics, and vehicle teams
• Represent the propulsion team in design reviews, failure investigations, and program milestones
Execution & Delivery
• Own the project schedule, drive team scrums, and track progress against milestones
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery
• Be present where the hardware is—this is an onsite, hands-on leadership role
• Ensure the propulsion system is delivered on time, on budget, and flight-ready

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion or fluid systems, ideally in rocket engine development
• Proven experience owning a complex system or assembly from concept through test
• Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and rocket engine cycles
• Hands-on experience with engine subcomponents (valves, regulators, tubing, etc.)
• Working knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing techniques (machining, welding, NDE, assembly)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Technically credible, decisive, and action-oriented

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with liquid rocket engine development, testing, or flight operations
• Familiarity with CAD and configuration management tools (e.g., Siemens NX, Teamcenter)
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, GFSSP, Winplot, or similar tools for data analysis
• Experience with Jira or other project/configuration management platforms
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, change management, and risk mitigation

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.