Propulsion Engineer – Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Lead
Lead the Systems That Steer Humanity’s Most Powerful Rockets
Location: Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (6 Months)
Schedule: Monday–Friday First Shift, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Pay Rate: $100.69 per hour
Shape the Future of Space LaunchPDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aerospace industry to identify a highly accomplished Propulsion Engineer to serve as the Level 6 Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Lead Engineer for the Space Launch System (SLS).
In this mission-critical role, you will lead the technical development, integration, qualification, and sustainment of TVC systems that enable precise control of launch vehicles. Your expertise will directly influence flight safety, performance, and mission success for one of the most advanced space exploration programs in the world.
What You’ll DoServe as the Lead Engineer for assigned TVC hardware and system elements, owning technical requirements, baselines, change management, and certification artifacts
Lead technical planning, execution, and trade studies for TVC architecture, actuator sizing, control laws, thermal and mechanical loads, materials, lubrication, redundancy, and life-cycle considerations
Develop and approve technical requirements, drawings, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans while ensuring compliance with system requirements
Manage supplier technical performance, including source selection support, design reviews, risk assessments, corrective actions, and configuration control
Coordinate and lead subsystem and system-level testing, including component, qualification, hot-fire, functional, and acceptance tests
Analyze test data, lead anomaly investigations, and drive technical resolution
Perform and oversee structural, thermal, fluid, and controls analyses (FEA, dynamic modeling, simulations, margins, and life predictions)
Conduct FMEA, FTA, reliability and maintainability assessments, and life-limited parts tracking
Lead multidisciplinary engineering reviews and represent the TVC discipline in system-level design and integration meetings
Mentor and guide engineers and technical specialists
Communicate technical status, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership, suppliers, and stakeholders
Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Structural, or Chemical preferred)
Minimum of 10 years of experience in Thrust Vector Control (TVC) engineering
Significant propulsion experience, particularly in space exploration or launch systems (e.g., Shuttle, SLS, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, or similar programs)
Experience with actuators, pivots, nozzles, control electronics, and sensors
Proven technical leadership experience as a responsible, chief, or lead engineer
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Education & Experience Expectations:
Bachelor’s degree with 20+ years of experience, or
Master’s degree with 18+ years of experience, or
PhD with 15+ years of experience
Preferred QualificationsExperience using data analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB and NASTRAN
Background in root cause corrective action (RCCA) analysis and processes
Prior experience leading supplier technical programs in a regulated aerospace environment
Why Join PDS Tech CommercialAt PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll partner with some of the most respected aerospace organizations in the world while maintaining the flexibility and support of a consulting environment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a historic space program while working alongside top-tier engineering talent.
What sets this opportunity apart:
Highly competitive hourly compensation
Work on a flagship space launch system with global visibility
Technical leadership role with real influence on mission outcomes
Collaborative, high-caliber engineering culture
Support from a trusted aerospace staffing partner with deep industry expertise
Ready to Lead the Systems That Guide Spaceflight?If you are a seasoned propulsion engineer with deep TVC expertise and a passion for space exploration, we want to hear from you.
Apply today to join PDS Tech Commercial and help guide the next generation of space launch systems.
Note: Candidate review and interviews will begin after January 5. Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams and will focus on a technical discussion.
Pay Details: $100.69 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
