Propulsion Engineer, Leander

Pinnacle Government Solutions is a minority-owned small business that provides Software, AI/ML, and Cloud Engineering Solutions for our Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Federal Civilian agencies.
We bring SME-level expertise and over five decades of combined industry knowledge and Talent Acquisition experience.
We believe in getting it right for our customers and our country.
We are seeking a highly motivated
Propulsion/Aerodynamics Engineer
to translate mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters.
This role performs rapid engineering analysis using: Hand calculations, Simplified analytical models, and Simulation tools CFD, designs and evaluates propulsion systems including: Solid rocket motors, Nozzle geometry, Propellant grain geometry, Pressure and burn rate behavior, and Thermal and structural loads, models internal ballistics and pressure dynamics in solid propellant systems, optimizes propellant core geometry to achieve target thrust profiles and burn behavior, analyzes external aerodynamics of flight vehicles across subsonic through supersonic regimes, calculates and validates: Drag components (base, form, friction, shock), Aerodynamic coefficients, Center of pressure vs center of gravity relationships, and Flight stability and control behavior.
You will also develop and run CFD simulations to validate design assumptions, write code to automate analysis, simulation workflows, and performance modeling, work closely with manufacturing, systems, and testing teams to translate designs into real hardware, and support flight tests and ground tests, diagnose performance issues, and iterate quickly.
Core Technical Requirements:
CFD modeling (ANSYS Fluent preferred)
Coding for engineering analysis (Python or MATLAB preferred)
CAD modeling proficiency (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent)
Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals
Strong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, and heat transfer
Ability to perform first-order engineering calculations quickly and accurately
Experience translating performance requirements into engineering design constraints
Propulsion Domain Experience:
Internal ballistics and solid propellant behavior
Burn rate dynamics and pressure coupling
Solid rocket motor design including: Nozzle geometry Ignition systems Insulation and materials Structural analysis
Propellant grain/core geometry optimization
Pressure vessel design and analysis
High-temperature gas flow and thermal loads
Familiarity with solid propellant formulation is a strong plus
Aerodynamics Domain Experience:
External aerodynamics of flight vehicles
Missile or projectile design
Flight mechanics and trajectory modeling
Center of pressure / center of gravity relationships
Aerodynamic coefficient modeling
Subsonic through supersonic flow regimes
Drag component analysis
Flight envelope behavior
Experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems is beneficial but not required
Experience Requirements:
3-5 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree
OR
1-2 years of relevant experience with a Master's or PhD
More experience is welcome, but the most important qualities are:
Strong fundamentals Intellectual curiosity Ability to learn quickly Willingness to solve hard problems