Mechanical Design Engineer (Propulsion components)

Authentic Group of Companies; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Authentic Group of Companies is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to own the mechanical design and integration of propulsion components for a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, guiding design from concept through build and test in a lean, high-impact team.

You will resolve real-world build and test issues, contribute to a cycle from concept to production, and collaborate across functions to ensure robust integration of motors, generators, inverters, and cooling systems.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years of experience in mechanical design of electromechanical or propulsion systems.
• Experience resolving real-world build and test issues.
• Ability to work independently and drive designs from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design and integration of propulsion subsystems (motors, generators, inverters, coupling, ducting, cooling).
• Resolve hardware issues from prototype builds: tolerance stacks, fitment, non-conforming parts.
• Contribute to in-house motor design cycle from concept through design, testing, and validation.
• Perform DFM trade studies and work with suppliers on manufacturing feasibility (machining and additive processes).
• Collaborate with electrical, manufacturing, test, and flight teams to package propulsion components into the aircraft.

Skills

Independent worker

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Team coordination

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

3D CAD

FEA

GD&T

Teamcenter

Job description

We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer with 3-8 years of experience to own the mechanical design and integration of propulsion components on a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft that is on the cusp of transitioning from prototype flight testing to customer delivery. You'll join a lean, high-impact propulsion team responsible for the entire powertrain—high-speed generators, motors, inverters, turbines, battery packs, and cooling systems. This is a hands‑on role where you'll take real ownership of critical flight hardware, driving designs from concept through build, test, and iteration. The ideal candidate can operate independently, has experience resolving real-world build and test issues, and is excited to shape propulsion systems that will scale into production.

What will you be doing?

• Own the mechanical design and integration of propulsion subsystems including motors, high-speed generators, inverters, engine-generator coupling, ducting, and cooling systems
• Drive resolution of hardware issues discovered during prototype builds and testing—tolerance stack-ups, fitment issues, and non-conforming parts
• Contribute to a new in-house motor design cycle from concept through detailed design, testing, and validation
• Perform DFM trade studies and work with suppliers on manufacturing feasibility, primarily involving machining and additive processes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, manufacturing, test, and flight teams to package and integrate propulsion components into the aircraft

3 - 8 years of experience

in mechanical design of electromechanical or propulsion systems (motors, generators, turbines, rotating machinery)

$110K - $160K (Base salary range of $130K-$160K depending on experience, plus competitive equity. A candidate with ~4 years of experience was offered $135K; candidates with more experience can expect higher compensation.)

Equity

Open to visa transfers (e.g. OPT, H1B transfers)

5 days in-office in Long Beach, CA

Full-time position

Location

Long Beach, CA

NX (preferred), SolidWorks, 3D CAD, FEA, GD&T, Teamcenter (PLM)