Propulsion Engineer

Socket.dev; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Avion Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Propulsion Engineer in Huntsville, AL to lead the engineering oversight of turbine engines, APUs, and FADEC integration for a DoD aviation program.

You will drive verification activities, assess safety and cyber-security requirements, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to align milestones with program goals. Must be U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining DoD clearance.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years in aviation propulsion, turbine engines, or aerospace systems.
• Strong knowledge of gas turbine thermodynamics and FADEC architecture.
• Experience with system-level reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR) and risk management.
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain DoD clearance and willing to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering oversight of design, development, integration, and production of turbine engines and APUs.
• Manage FADEC system verification, safety standards, and cyber-security compliance.
• Oversee integration of exhaust and IRS systems for survivability and performance.
• Plan and analyze propulsion testing across ground, lab, and flight environments.
• Direct propulsion subsystems; review OEM reports, specs, and ECPs for AWR.
• Collaborate with logistics, safety, PM, and flight ops to align schedules.

Skills

Gas turbine thermodynamics

FADEC architecture

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Military avionics interfaces

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

NPSS

CAD

Job description

Avion Solutions Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking candidates for a Propulsion Engineer to support an Army Aviation Capability Program Executive (CPE).This position is located in Huntsville, AL.

Job Responsibilities/Duties:

• Lead the technical management and engineering oversight of the design, development, integration, and production of aircraft turbine engines and auxiliary power units (APUs).

• Manage the integration, verification, and validation of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems and software, ensuring compliance with cyber-security and safety-critical standards.

• Oversee the design, evaluation, and physical integration of advanced engine exhaust and Infrared Signature (IRS) systems to optimize aircraft survivability.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and data analysis of propulsion system ground, laboratory, and flight testing, ensuring compliance with military test protocols.

• Direct the engineering management of critical propulsion subsystems, including fuel control, lubrication, engine starting, and diagnostics/prognostics (health monitoring) systems.

• Conduct rigorous engineering reviews of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) technical reports, design specifications, qualification test plans, and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to support Airworthiness Releases (AWR).

• Collaborate with logistics, systems safety, program management, and flight operations to align propulsion engineering schedules and milestones with overall program goals.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.

• 5+ years of progressive engineering experience in aviation propulsion, turbine engines, or aerospace systems engineering.

• Strong working knowledge of gas turbine thermodynamics, FADEC architecture, engine/airframe physical and functional integration, and military airworthiness qualification processes.

• Demonstrated experience executing systems engineering processes, including system-level reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical risk management.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead technical meetings and present complex data to military leadership and OEM contractors.

• Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain/maintain a DoW security clearance.

• Must be able to travel up to 15% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

• Prior experience working within or directly supporting DoW Aviation CPE or an Aviation defense program.

• Familiarity with military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-882, MIL-HDBK-516) and the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) framework.

• Proficiency with propulsion cycle modeling, data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, NPSS), or CAD systems.
  

Equal Opportunity:

Avion Solutions, Inc. reaffirms its belief in equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Avion Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA-governed Federal Contractor that affords equal employment opportunity to protected veterans and people with disabilities. Avion Solutions, Inc. provides all employees and job applicants equal employment opportunities in hiring and promotion without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, color, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, national origin, or any other reason prohibited by law.