Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer P1 – Space Systems
Oceaneering International
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Houston, TX · Posted November 3, 2026
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About the job
Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as an Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the Power and Propulsion Projects section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract .
This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As an Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer , you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!
We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning.
Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and some experience in the field or in a related area . This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire.
**International travel may be required. Possible straight time overtime and a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) **
The Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer will:
Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
Assist with the selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
Support the preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
Prepare and present clear technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
Perform other duties as required.
Required
Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
Willingness to participate in both analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment.
Preferred
Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid-system components.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal-vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight-hardware certification.
Interest in human spaceflight, small-spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
Essential Functions
Work Environment - Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements - Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines - Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance - Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Other Essential Functions - Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.