Propulsion Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program with stock options

Flexible time-off policy

Company-funded perks and team lunches

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in San Francisco is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and validate propulsion systems. The ideal candidate has over 2 years of experience and proficiency in CAD modeling. This role involves hands-on work, analyzing performance metrics, and contributing to innovative aerospace solutions. Benefits include comprehensive insurance and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience with propulsion systems.
• Experience in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling.
• Understanding of thermodynamics and turbomachinery.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and validate propulsion systems.
• Complete detailed design and structural analyses.
• Conduct hardware tests and analyze performance.

Skills

Hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems

Proficient in CAD modeling (Siemens NX)

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes

Understanding of propulsion systems

Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation

Attention to detail

Job description

ABOUT US

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system, with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE

We’re a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. We’re generalists who each have subject matter expertise and operate in a flat organizational structure. We move fast and build world-changing technology in a pragmatic and competent workplace culture.

WHO YOU ARE

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production, and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Duality™ engine.

In this role, your mission will be to design, analyze, and validate critical propulsion systems from early prototype through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Ideate on design trade studies while considering system-level impacts

• Complete detailed design and support with structural, thermal, fluid analyses

• Present design reviews and solicit feedback from stakeholders

• Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, establish work instructions

• Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics

• Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 2+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, propulsion systems

• Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX)

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T

• Understanding of propulsion systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery

• Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, and power electronics

• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment

• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS AND BENEFITS

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

• Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.