Fluids Systems Design & Test Engineer - Defense Systems

Fluids Systems Design & Test Engineer II – Defense Systems

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast.  We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability.

In the commercial market, our Dauntless launch vehicle provides reliable and cost-effective access to orbit. In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next-generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications. 

As a Fluids Systems Design Engineer on our Test Team, you will serve as the responsible engineer for the fluid systems supporting test stands for hybrid rocket engines and advanced hypersonic engines. You will lead the design, development, and commissioning of oxidizer, pneumatic, and high-pressure gas systems that enable critical propulsion testing. The systems you architect—and the test data you help produce—will directly shape the characterization of next-generation hybrid propulsion technology and influence the design of future tactical propulsion systems.

We are a fast-paced, mission-driven team tackling some of the hardest problems in aerospace.  Success at Vaya requires personal leadership, strong technical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.  Every team member contributes across disciplines, stepping up where needed to drive innovation forward.
If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of space and defense, Vaya Space is the place to do it.

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Travel Required

Up to 15%

Required Security Clearance

Candidate must be able to obtain an active U.S Government Security Clearance at the Secret level if required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Design new fluids systems and ground support equipment for test stands: oxidizer supply and transfer, pneumatic distribution, high-pressure gas storage/regulation, plumbing and valve selection, instrumentation and piping/isometrics.

Lead upgrades and retrofits of existing fluids systems to meet new test objectives and safety/regulatory requirements.

Produce CAD models and detailed fabrication drawings (P&IDs, plumbing & instrumentation diagrams).

Perform thermofluid analyses, sizing, and simulations (e.g., transient flow, pressure/temperature margins) and use GFSSP or equivalent tools for system-level fluids modeling.

Develop test procedures, checkout flows, and acceptance criteria for fluids systems; support test conduct as a control-room engineer.

Reduce and analyze propulsion test data (mass flows, pressures, temperatures, system performance) and summarize results for test reports and post-test reviews.

Implement and commission an air-breathing feed/conditioning capability on a hybrid propulsion test stand (system architecture, isolation/valving strategy, safety interlocks, instrumentation, and control integration).

Interface with structures, controls, test ops, safety, and fabrication teams to execute test campaigns and ensure readiness reviews and compliance.

Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline.

3+ years experience designing or operating fluids systems for propulsion, test stands, or GSE (oxidizer, pneumatic, or high-pressure gas).

Proficient in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and experienced producing P&IDs and fabrication drawings.

Hands-on familiarity with oxidizer systems, high-pressure gas systems, and pneumatic controls (component selection, regulators, relief devices, transducers, quick-disconnects).

Experience with fluids analysis tools (GFSSP strongly preferred) or demonstrable experience performing thermofluid calculations, transient flow analysis, and system sizing.

Strong data-reduction and scripting ability (Python/Matlab/Excel) for test data analysis and plotting.

Familiarity with test-stand safety practices and ability to develop procedures and participate in Test Readiness Reviews.

Excellent written and verbal communication; experience writing test procedures and reports.

Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.

To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Eligible to gain and maintain a SECRET clearance if required.

Preferred Qualifications

MSci in a relevant engineering discipline.

5+ years in propulsion test-stand fluids design and operations (or equivalent experience at launch/test providers).

Working knowledge of hybrid rocket engine and air-breathing ramjet engine concepts.

Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids systems design, installation, and operation.

Direct experience implementing air-breathing or hybrid feed systems, or experience with oxidizer/fuel conditioning systems.

Experience with GFSSP (Gas Flow and System Simulation Program) for detailed system simulation and steady/transient analyses.

Hands-on fabrication/installation experience with GSE, including supervising plumbing, leak checks, cryo-conditioning operations, and commissioning.

Familiarity with control systems and DAQ integration for fluids systems (NI Hardware/LabVIEW experience a plus).

Prior experience with component qualification, supplier management for valves/regulators/transducers, and materials compatibility for cryogens, high-pressure gases, and oxidizers.

Experience handling energetic materials.

Understanding of appropriate test methodologies for rocket engine hardware.