TCA & Thrusters Engineer

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the Role:

We are looking for an Injector Design and Development Engineer to own rocket engine injectors end to end—design, analysis, development, and validation. These injectors power the engines behind our own rockets and satellites, and they need to go from concept to hotfire fast. You will pair first-principles analytical design with hands-on manufacturing and test to drive rapid design/build/test cycles. The ideal candidate blends sharp analytical instincts with a builder’s mindset and a relentless focus on turning analysis into flight-ready hardware. This position is onsite in the greater Seattle, WA area.

Responsibilities:

• Own injector hardware end to end, from first-principles sizing through flight operation.

• Perform physics-based architecture trades within a given engine cycle and required performance, leading to design & analysis of Thrust Chamber Assembly piece parts

• Select manufacturing methods and lead the build, iterating on the design across the full lifecycle

• Plan and execute test campaigns, from component tests through full-engine hotfire

• Analyze hotfire data and lead component redesigns to meet mission requirements

• Partner with vehicle and test-stand engineers to keep the engine compatible with operational needs

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.

• Strong command of first-principles thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics.

• 5+ years in mechanical design for manufacturing and rapid prototyping

• Hands-on ownership of the rocket engine injector lifecycle

Preferred Qualifications:

• Multiple cradle-to-grave cycles owning rocket engine injectors and/or TCA components

• Analysis experience with Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, and/or Thermal Desktop

• Experience using first principles to perform fluid system sizing, injector performance optimization (c*), and mitigation combustion stability concerns

• Design for additive manufacturing, machining, and weld/braze processes

• Experience planning, running, and analyzing rocket engine hotfire tests

• Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000 – $180,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.