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 Launch

PDS 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 Do

• Serve 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 Qualifications

• Bachelor’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 Qualifications

• Experience 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 Commercial

At 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.

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