> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4503639-propulsion-ipt-program-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4503639-propulsion-ipt-program-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Propulsion IPT Program Lead

- **Company:** Vanderhouwen & Associates, Inc.
- **Location:** Houston, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $170,000.0 - $200,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Network Interface Controllers, Microsoft Project, Primavera, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis, Data Analytics
- **Published:** November 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.vanderhouwen.com/job_posting/propulsion-ipt-program-lead-73625/

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
 * 10+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle propulsion development, systems engineering, or project engineering, including leading integrated product teams or multidisciplinary technical teams.
 * Proven track record delivering space propulsion hardware, such as engines, thrusters, and feed and pressurization systems, through qualification, acceptance, and flight.
 * Strong command of bipropellant propulsion fundamentals, including combustion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
 * Advanced systems engineering expertise in requirements management, interface control, verification planning, configuration management, and risk management.
 * Program management skills in integrated scheduling, budgeting, estimate at completion, and earned value management, using tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
 * Demonstrated ability to lead and influence in a matrixed organization without direct authority.
 * Experience leading major milestone reviews and working with NASA, DoD, or commercial customers.
 * Experience managing suppliers and subcontractors on cost, schedule, technical, and verification deliverables.
 * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high emotional intelligence, a strong sense of ownership, and a results-driven mindset.
 * Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, able to complete a U.S. government background investigation, and willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.

Preferred:

 * Advanced degree in a technical discipline.
 * Familiarity with human-rated spaceflight safety and hazard processes, oxygen compatibility, and pressure system requirements.
 * Success delivering in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with an adaptable, entrepreneurial mindset.

## Description

* Own the propulsion program from concept through design, qualification, acceptance, and flight readiness, with full accountability for scope, deliverables, schedule, and budget.
 * Serve as the primary point of contact for program leadership, executives, and government and commercial customers, reporting on technical progress, cost, schedule, risks, and key decisions.
 * Lead and mentor sub-team leads and cross-functional engineers across engine, feed system, and test, setting team priorities, removing roadblocks, and keeping work moving at a steady pace.
 * Establish and manage the propulsion technical baseline, including requirements flow-down, interface control with related subsystems, verification planning, and configuration management.
 * Guide the propulsion system through major design and readiness reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and qualification and acceptance reviews), making sure all entrance and exit criteria are met.
 * Develop and maintain the integrated schedule, budget, and estimate at completion, and track cost and schedule performance throughout the program.
 * Manage risk, safety, and hazard integration, and drive anomaly and issue closure through data-driven decisions and propulsion review boards.
 * Lead system-level trade studies that weigh proven heritage designs against new development in terms of performance, safety, cost, schedule, and risk.
 * Oversee major suppliers and subcontractors, including statements of work, deliverables, performance, and verification evidence.
 * Partner with functional managers in a matrixed environment to negotiate staffing, test facility access, and competing priorities across programs.
 * Contribute to proposals, cost estimates, and new business capture for future propulsion efforts.