LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Own Core Responsibilities

• Own the conceptual design and architecture of pump and turbine components and assemblies, driving rapid CAD iteration and technical convergence toward a turbopump configuration ready for PDR and downstream design, analysis, manufacturing, and test integration.
• Define and maintain turbopump design requirements, including seals, bearings, interfaces, materials, clearances, and operating limits across thermal, pressure, structural, and rotodynamic regimes.
• Lead resolution of technical design challenges and cross-functional issues, identifying risks early and driving timely solutions before they impact turbopump performance, schedule, manufacturing, or test.
• Partner closely with fabrication, manufacturing, and integration teams to develop practical designs, tooling, interfaces, assembly approaches, and processes that enable successful hardware builds.
• Plan and support cold-flow, hot-fire, and vehicle-integrated testing, translating test objectives into actionable engineering requirements and using test results to drive design closure and validation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, raising design quality, technical rigor, consistency, and engineering judgment across the team.
• Collaborate across Design, Analysis, Manufacturing, Quality, and Test to ensure requirements, hardware, documentation, and test activities remain aligned throughout the turbopump development cycle.

Produce Clear Deliverables

• Conceptual CAD models and architecture definition for pump and turbine components and assemblies, including interfaces and configuration definition sufficient to support PDR and downstream engineering.
• Engineering drawings, drawing packages, specifications, and technical reports that are clear, complete, traceable, and release-ready for manufacturing, quality, and test execution.
• Design requirements and component specifications for seals, bearings, interfaces, and other critical turbopump elements, including appropriate operating limits and acceptance criteria.
• Design analyses, trade studies, and technical dispositions that document key engineering decisions, evaluate alternatives, and provide objective rationale for design closure.
• Tooling and integration designs developed in partnership with fabrication and manufacturing teams to support efficient assembly and successful first-pass hardware builds.
• Test plans, procedures, and instrumentation/data requirements that clearly define test objectives, configurations, success criteria, and required data.
• Test data reviews, technical reports, and design-validation documentation that establish traceability from requirements through hardware configuration, test results, findings, and resulting design decisions.

Impacts & Outcomes

• The turbopump design rapidly converges on a technically sound conceptual architecture that is ready for PDR and subsequent detailed design, analysis, manufacturing, and test integration.
• Designs are manufacturable, testable, and robust, reducing downstream rework, fabrication challenges, assembly issues, and integration risk.
• Critical seals, bearings, and interfaces provide reliable turbopump operation across required thermal, pressure, and rotodynamic conditions, with key failure modes and operating risks addressed early.
• Technical issues are identified and resolved with appropriate urgency, preventing design, manufacturing, and test challenges from becoming significant schedule or performance risks.
• Hardware builds achieve high first-pass success, with effective collaboration between engineering and fabrication reducing tooling, assembly, integration, and rework risk.
• Testing produces high-quality, traceable data that directly informs engineering decisions, enabling rapid issue identification, design closure, and validation of turbopump performance under representative operating conditions.
• The team develops stronger turbomachinery design capability and technical leadership, with mentoring and technical collaboration improving consistency, engineering rigor, and the development of future technical leaders.

 

What You Bring to the Team

Required Skills

• Mechanical, mechatronic or Aerospace engineering degree (Required) 
• 6 years design experience (Required)  
• CAD software such as NX, CREO, or Solidworks (Required)  
• Turbine and Pump Mean Line design (Required)  
• Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, high-accountability environments 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills 
• Organized, detail-oriented approach to work and documentation 
• Ability to learn new tools, systems, or domains as needed 

 

Bonus Points 

• Experience in high-growth, startup, or technically complex environments 
• Proven track record of pump, turbine or integrated turbopump for aerospace system 

 

Compensation  

Salary Range: $140,000 - $215,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.  

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:  

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan. 
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.  
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.  
• Flexible Time Off: We encourage taking time off when you need it. Our policy includes unlimited PTO, generous holiday breaks, two week-long company winter shutdowns, and paid leave for family care, parental bonding, or personal health needs. 
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.  
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.  
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.  

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!