Propulsion Engineer

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 fundamentalsStrong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, and heat transferAbility to perform first-order engineering calculations quickly and accuratelyExperience translating performance requirements into engineering design constraintsPropulsion Domain Experience:Internal ballistics and solid propellant behaviorBurn rate dynamics and pressure couplingSolid rocket motor design including: Nozzle geometry Ignition systems Insulation and materials Structural analysisPropellant grain/core geometry optimizationPressure vessel design and analysisHigh-temperature gas flow and thermal loadsFamiliarity with solid propellant formulation is a strong plusAerodynamics Domain Experience:External aerodynamics of flight vehiclesMissile or projectile designFlight mechanics and trajectory modelingCenter of pressure / center of gravity relationshipsAerodynamic coefficient modelingSubsonic through supersonic flow regimesDrag component analysisFlight envelope behaviorExperience with guidance, navigation, and control systems is beneficial but not requiredExperience Requirements:3-5 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degreeOR1-2 years of relevant experience with a Master's or PhDMore experience is welcome, but the most important qualities are:Strong fundamentals Intellectual curiosity Ability to learn quickly Willingness to solve hard problems