Electric Propulsion Engineer

The Structures Company; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

Job summary

The Structures Company, a premier aerospace staffing partner, seeks an Electric Propulsion Engineer to lead the selection, sizing, and integration of propulsion components for advanced aircraft. You will perform system-level trade studies and optimize motors, controllers, and batteries across flight profiles.

You will develop test plans, analyze data, and deliver validation reports in close collaboration with aerodynamics, airframe, and avionics teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Leads selection, sizing, and integration of electric propulsion components.
• Performs system-level trade studies balancing thrust, efficiency, and weight.
• Conducts tuning and performance optimization of motors and motor controllers.
• Develops propulsion test plans and supports bench, ground, and flight testing.
• Analyzes test data and recommends improvements for reliability and energy efficiency.
• Collaborates with aerodynamics, airframe, avionics, and systems engineering teams.
• Creates specifications, integration guides, and validation reports.
• Contributes to failure mode analysis, thermal modeling, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Aerospace engineering

Security clearance

System integration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Job description

JOB TITLE: Electric Propulsion EngineerLOCATION: Irvine, CAPAY RATE: $112,000-153,000/yearWe are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.Job Details:Job Type: Contract (Full Time)Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.Industry: Aerospace / Defense / AviationBenefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplierOpenings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.Qualifying Questions:Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?Summary:Leads selection, sizing, and integration of electric propulsion components including ducted fans, open propellers, motors, motor controllers, and batteries.Performs system-level trade studies to balance thrust, efficiency, thermal performance, weight, and mission endurance.Conducts tuning, calibration, and performance optimization of motors and motor controllers across varying load conditions and flight profiles.Develops propulsion test plans and supports bench testing, ground testing, and flight testing activities.Analyzes test data and generates recommendations to improve system reliability, safety margins, and energy efficiency.Collaborates with aerodynamics, airframe, avionics, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion systems.Creates technical documentation including specifications, integration guides, and validation reports.Contributes to failure mode analysis, thermal modeling, and risk mitigation related to electric propulsion hardware.Maintains awareness of emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices in electric propulsion for small unmanned aircraft.Uses propulsion modeling tools and instrumentation for data capture and performance analysis.Requirements:Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.5-7 years of direct experience in electric propulsion within the aerospace or UAV industry.Hands-on experience selecting and tuning ducted fans, propellers, motors, ESCs, and batteries for Group 1-2 aircraft.Strong familiarity with propulsion performance metrics including thrust, RPM, torque, efficiency, voltage sag, and thermal behavior.Experience with propulsion modeling tools and instrumentation for data capture.Proven ability to diagnose and resolve propulsion-related integration and performance issues.Preferred: Proficiency in MATLAB for data analysis and modeling.Preferred: Proficiency with 3D CAD systems, with SolidWorks preferred.Preferred: Experience developing test plans and supporting bench, ground, and flight testing activities.About Us:The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.Eligibility Requirements:Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defenseTake your career to new heights—apply today!Engineers - #hotjobs