Lead Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Propulsion Engineer to join our dynamic team in New Orleans, LA.

This exciting opportunity places you at the forefront of space exploration as part of the Space Launch Systems (SLS) program, where you will play a critical role in advancing propulsion technologies that enable humanity’s next giant leap. As a key technical leader, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the design, testing, and certification of propulsion components and subsystems, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance. If you are passionate about rocket propulsion and eager to contribute to groundbreaking aerospace projects, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on the future of space travel.

Position Responsibilities:

• Leads the definition and performance of certification tests for propulsion components and subsystems.  This may include reviewing and defining system testing requirements, plans, procedures, test setup configurations, and equipment capabilities

• Leads, in conjunction with the Production IPT to develop subsystem build and test strategy, identify work arounds for major constraints, and ensure readiness for key milestones

• Leads in coordination with production, engineering support, quality, and technical disciplines to help identify, disposition, and resolve issues related to propulsion system hardware, processes, or procedures

• Leads planning and support of assembly efforts across multiple shifts with different technician teams to assemble and integrate propulsion system components. Conduct tie-in between shifts to discuss lessons learned, progress made, and review objectives for next shift

• Provides the Test Conductor, Director, and Console Operators with system knowledge to distinguish expected behavior from off-nominal system behavior.  Helps test personnel and technicians understand basic system configuration and functionality.  This may include leading efforts to write procedural changes, train test personnel to operate system hardware, and ensure the hardware's role in the system functional testing is understood

• Support the production floor with propulsion hardware integration.  Task lead and train technicians as needed to ensure First Time Quality (FTQ) of integration and test.   Support the Quality Engineering organization with non-conformance resolution and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)

• Leads support of fielded systems by developing responses to customer queries and providing technical recommendations

• Leads development of concepts for future propulsion systems to meet anticipated requirements.  Use lessons learned from past milestones to improve the build strategy for future builds. Review implementation of lessons learned with manufacturing engineering team

• Mentor younger propulsion engineers on manufacturing and test processes, effective communication with the production team, and overall vehicle system knowledge

• Directs work scope for other engineers

• Works under minimal direction

• Ability to travel 10% of the time

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science

• 5+ years of experience in rocket propulsion

• 5+ years of experience with propulsion system components, interfaces and their design/integration variables, within aerospace vehicles

• 5+ years of experience with propulsion system design/integration

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 5+ years of experience working on propulsion systems to include cryogenic & pneumatic delivery systems

• Experience on space, launch vehicle, and/or aircraft programs

• Experience in NASA Space programs or a related Space or Defense program

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift Work Statement:

This position is for 1st shift.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Summary pay range for Lead (Level 4): $113,900.00 - $154,100.00

Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 22, 2025

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details: US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Experience Level
Individual Contributor
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.