Join the Spark Team and Make History
At Spark, every day, a select group of innovators, engineer solutions to the biggest problems!
Do you think you'd fit into our elite team and fast-paced environment?
At Spark, we’re building something truly game-changing: the ATHENA Jet Propulsion System—a hybrid propulsion platform that blends innovation, efficiency, speed, and raw engineering talent.
To make that vision a reality, we’re assembling a team of exceptional individuals who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply collaborative environments.
Our Core values
Inventive & Creative
We don’t just solve problems—We rethink entire systems. Our team is driven by curiosity and the challenge of turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world prototypes that redefine aerospace propulsion.
* Inventive, not just intelligent
* Pioneering, with bold ideas and initiative
* Unconventional, always questioning assumptions to find undiscovered engineering pathways
Technically Excellent
You have strong fundamentals and can move fast without sacrificing rigor. You understand that precision and creativity can (and must) coexist in aerospace engineering.
* Analytical and detail-oriented
* Rigorous in your modeling, simulations, and validation
* Resourceful in getting to a working solution, fast
Hands-on
You’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves, get on the shop floor, and iterate prototypes with real parts. You love to see your innovations turn into hardware—fast.
* Hands-on, practical, and execution-focused
* Resilient in the face of setbacks
* Experimental, always ready to test and iterate
Team-Driven
You work well with others because you know big ideas only come to life when great minds collaborate. You’re confident, but humble enough to listen and learn.
* Collaborative and cross-functional
* Communicative, even under pressure
* Mission-aligned, driven by something bigger than yourself
If that sounds like you, come help us build the future of aerospace. This is more than a career—it’s a legacy defining opportunity.
BE PART OF AN ELITE TEAM
BUILD SOMETHING THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN
SHAPE AEROSPACE FOR THE NEXT CENTURY OF JET AND ROCKET PROPULSION
Featured Roles:
Aerospace Engineer
SCRAMJET & RAMJET, Supersonic & Hypersonic Development Team (2 Positions, Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Conduct CFD simulations and hypersonic flow analysis.
* Design and optimize intake, combustion chamber, and nozzle configurations.
*Work with thermal protection systems and high-speed aerodynamics.
Shop Technician – Additive Manufacturing & CNC
Metal 3D Printing & CNC Machining Specialist and Metal Fabrication (Mid to Senior Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Operate 3D printers and 4/5 Axis CNC machines to produce high-precision parts for rapid engine prototyping.
* General metalworking for high-precision engine part fabrication
Aerospace Engineer
ATHENA Jet Engine Development Team (Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Conduct aerodynamic modeling and CFD simulations for RDE performance.
* Optimize combustion stability and flow characteristics.
* Work with mechanical engineers to refine component designs for high-speed operation.
* Experience with supersonic aerodynamics and detonation physics.
* Proficiency in ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, and SolidWorks preferred.
Mechanical Engineer
ATHENA Jet Engine Development Team (Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and analyze mechanical components using FEA and CFD.
* Work on high-speed rotating parts and thermal-resistant structures.
* Rapidly prototype components and test iterations in a fast-paced lab environment.
* Proficiency in ANSYS, and SolidWorks preferred.
Electrical Engineer
Fuel Cell & Electric Motor Development (2 Positions, Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop, simulate, and test fuel cell stacks, electric motors, and controllers.
* Create rapid-prototyping models and optimize system performance through testing.
* Work closely with mechanical, aerospace, and systems engineers to integrate solutions.
* Document technical specifications and iterate designs in a fast-paced environment.
CAD & Simulation Specialist
Mechanical Engineer – CAD & Simulation (Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Support mechanical design using CAD and FEA tools, contributing to the rapid development of high-speed propulsion systems.
* Proficiency in CFD, FEA, and SolidWorks preferred.
Engineering Program Manager
ATHENA Jet Engine Development - 3 Programs (Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Drive technical execution and strategic planning for the ATHENA project.
* Manage interdisciplinary teams and coordinate aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
* Ensure milestones are met in a fast-paced development environment.
* Optimize resources to accelerate prototyping cycles.
* Experience leading high-speed propulsion or aerospace development programs.
* Strong background in program management, budgets, and team leadership.
* Familiarity with SolidWorks and simulation tools is a plus.
CAD & Simulation Specialist
Aerospace Engineer – CAD & Simulation (Entry to Mid-Career)
📍 Location: Trident Energy Systems Propulsion Development Center - Northern Virginia
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and optimize aerospace structures using CAD & CFD tools, ensuring robust high-speed engine performance.
* Strong foundation in CFD, aerodynamic analysis, and SolidWorks preferred.
BUILD SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF
Schedule Your Interview
If you're ready for an exciting career with Spark or you'd like to find out more you can either click below to schedule and interview or send us a note with the enquiry form below!