Lead Propulsion Engineer - Mechanical Design

EVONA; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Equity

Flexible PTO

Competitive compensation

Job summary

EVONA is seeking a Lead Propulsion Engineer - Mechanical Design to own the mechanical architecture of an advanced gas turbine engine. This role leads rotordynamics, interfaces, tolerances, and module assemblies from concept through manufacturing and testing, with a focus on high-performance propulsion hardware.

You will drive collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, and shape the mechanical engineering function in a fast-paced startup environment dedicated to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Significant experience designing gas turbine, turbomachinery, or propulsion hardware.
• Expert CAD proficiency: CATIA, NX, or 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience leading component/module design through multiple development phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of advanced gas turbine engine systems and rotating machinery.
• Own key mechanical aspects: rotordynamics, interfaces, seals, mounts, joints, actuators, loading scenarios.
• Develop CAD models, engine layouts, module assemblies, tolerances, and drawings.
• Define and review GD&T, manufacturing requirements, and interfaces.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, thermal, and systems teams for engine integration.
• Support assembly, manufacturing, testing, and production planning throughout development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor engineers within the team.

Skills

Turbomachinery design

Leadership/mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical integration

GD&T proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Siemens NX

3DEXPERIENCE

Job description

Lead Propulsion Engineer - Mechanical Design

Our client is an innovative aerospace company developing next-generation propulsion technology for high-performance flight. Working at the forefront of advanced gas turbine development, they're building clean-sheet propulsion systems in a fast-paced startup environment where engineers have significant ownership and influence over both product development and engineering processes.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Lead Propulsion Engineer - Mechanical Design to take technical ownership of the mechanical architecture for an advanced gas turbine engine. This is a highly visible role where you'll lead the design of critical engine hardware while helping shape the mechanical engineering function within a collaborative, multidisciplinary propulsion team.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced turbomachinery engineer who enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges, working across multiple engineering disciplines, and seeing designs progress from concept through manufacturing, testing, and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of advanced gas turbine engine systems and rotating machinery.
• Own key mechanical aspects of the engine, including rotordynamics, structural interfaces, sealing systems, mounts, joints, actuators, and dynamic loading scenarios.
• Develop detailed CAD models, engine layouts, module assemblies, tolerance stack-ups, and engineering drawings.
• Define and review GD&T, manufacturing requirements, and component interfaces.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, thermal, secondary air systems, and systems engineering teams to ensure successful engine integration.
• Support assembly, disassembly, manufacturing, testing, and production planning throughout the engine development lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership across mechanical design activities while mentoring other engineers within the team.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience designing gas turbine, turbomachinery, or propulsion system hardware.
• Expert-level proficiency with CAD platforms such as CATIA, Siemens NX, 3DEXPERIENCE, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience designing components using modern aerospace manufacturing processes, including castings, forgings, additive manufacturing, and welded assemblies.
• Experience leading component or module design throughout multiple phases of product development.
• Strong understanding of mechanical integration within complex propulsion systems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to Have

• Engine or rig testing experience.
• Knowledge of rotordynamics, heat transfer, structural analysis, or mechanical system integration.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems and parametric modelling.
• Familiarity with component disposition and manufacturing support processes.
• Experience developing engineering tools, automation, or design methodologies.
• Programming experience using Python or similar languages.
• Background within aerospace propulsion, industrial gas turbines, power generation, or other high-performance rotating machinery.

Why Join?

• Take ownership of major mechanical systems within a clean-sheet propulsion development programme.
• Join a high-performing engineering team solving challenging real-world hardware problems from concept through production.
• Work in a fast-paced startup environment where engineers have significant influence, autonomy, and technical ownership.
• Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary teams developing next-generation propulsion technology.
• Competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive benefits, relocation assistance, and flexible PTO.