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Salary: USD 185,000 - 280,000 / annual
True Anomaly is seeking a Staff Propulsion Analyst to serve as the analytical backbone of its advanced propulsion development program. You will build high-fidelity models of thruster systems—from propellant feed lines through combustion and nozzle expansion—and work directly with thruster designers to optimize hardware before it is built. Your expertise in engine balance modeling, injector design and sizing, and combustion stability will directly determine the performance and reliability of next-generation in-space propulsion systems.
Key Responsibilities:
• Own engine balance and cycle modeling: Develop and maintain integrated 1D engine/thruster cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, or equivalent tools to predict system-level performance, identify design sensitivities, and support architecture trade studies from concept through flight.
• Lead injector analysis and sizing: Apply first-principles and empirical methods to size injector elements, predict atomization and mixing efficiency, and validate designs against performance targets. Translate model outputs into actionable design guidance for hardware engineers.
• Assess and mitigate combustion instability: Perform stability assessments using analytical and numerical methods—including acoustic mode analysis, Rayleigh criterion evaluation, and sensitivity studies—and recommend design mitigations such as acoustic cavities, baffle configurations, and injector pattern modifications.
• Apply CFD to combustion dynamics: Leverage CFD tools (Ansys Fluent, Reacting Flow, or equivalent) to characterize combustion dynamics, flame structure, mixing efficiency, and hot-gas-side heat flux distributions, feeding results back into design and stability assessments.
• Develop thrust chamber thermal-fluid models: Build conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling models to predict wall temperatures, heat flux profiles, and coolant pressure drop, ensuring hardware margin across the operating envelope.
• Partner with designers and suppliers: Work directly with thruster designers and suppliers to interpret test data, validate models against hot-fire results, and close the loop between analysis and hardware performance.
• Build lightweight design tools: Create accessible tools and parametric models that allow hardware responsible engineers to quickly size components and evaluate performance without requiring deep analysis expertise.
• Define and execute evolutionary analysis plans: Structure the analysis program to mature in lock-step with hardware development and testing—increasing fidelity as data becomes available and design decisions demand it.
• Establish analytical best practices: Define processes for in-depth analysis, second-set-of-eyes reviews, and parameter input standards. Build a culture of analytical rigor across the propulsion team.
• Mentor and cross-train: Build analytical capability within the broader propulsion team, including cross-training hardware responsible engineers on core analysis methods and tools.
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 12+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster analysis
• Engine balance and cycle modeling: Demonstrated hands-on experience building and running integrated 1D engine cycle models in ROCETS, Sinda/Fluint, GFSSP, or directly comparable tools
• Injector design and sizing: Significant experience sizing injector elements (e.g., impinging, coaxial, swirl) using analytical methods and CFD, with demonstrated ability to predict and improve mixing efficiency and atomization
• Combustion instability assessment and mitigation: Proven experience identifying instability risk in thruster designs, performing acoustic and stability analyses, and recommending or validating mitigation strategies through analysis and/or testing
• Experience with 2-phase fluid modeling in propulsion systems
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer and regenerative cooling analysis
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Work Location: Hybrid with primary office in Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA. Remote work within the U.S. may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates on a case-by-case basis, subject to business needs and approval. Remote employees are expected to travel to a primary office approximately once per month.
