Propulsion Engineer, Electric

DZYNE Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Annual bonus eligibility

Job summary

DZYNE Technologies in Irvine, California, is seeking an experienced Electric Propulsion Engineer to support the design, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for Group 1-2 electric aircraft. This role focuses on selecting, tuning, and validating ducted fans, propellers, motors, motor controllers, and battery systems to meet performance requirements for new aircraft designs.

You will lead system-level trade studies, perform tuning across varying flight profiles, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of direct experience in electric propulsion within aerospace or UAV industries.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the selection, sizing, and integration of electric propulsion components including ducted fans, open propellers, motors, motor controllers, and batteries.
• Perform system-level trade studies to balance thrust, efficiency, thermal performance, weight, and mission endurance.
• Conduct tuning, calibration, and performance optimization of motors and motor controllers across varying load conditions and flight profiles.
• Develop propulsion test plans and support bench testing, ground testing, and flight testing activities.
• Analyze test data and generate recommendations to improve system reliability, safety margins, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, airframe, avionics, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion systems.
• Support the creation of technical documentation including specifications, integration guides, and validation reports.
• Contribute to failure mode analysis, thermal modeling, and risk mitigation related to electric propulsion hardware.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, and best practices in electric propulsion for small, unmanned aircraft

Skills

Propulsion experience 5-7 years

Ducted fans tuning

Propulsion performance metrics

Propulsion modeling tools

Diagnostics & issue resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Job description

About DZYNE

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready.

We’re growing fast, and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you’ll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member’s success.

Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position Title

Propulsion Engineer, Electric

Location

Irvine, CA

Work Arrangement

On-site

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Electric Propulsion Engineer to support the design, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for Group 1-2 electric aircraft. This role focuses on selecting, tuning, and validating ducted fans, propellers, motors, motor controllers, and battery systems to achieve performance requirement for new aircraft designs.

Required Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the selection, sizing, and integration of electric propulsion components including ducted fans, open propellers, motors, motor controllers, and batteries.
• Perform system-level trade studies to balance thrust, efficiency, thermal performance, weight, and mission endurance.
• Conduct tuning, calibration, and performance optimization of motors and motor controllers across varying load conditions and flight profiles.
• Develop propulsion test plans and support bench testing, ground testing, and flight testing activities.
• Analyze test data and generate recommendations to improve system reliability, safety margins, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with aerodynamics, airframe, avionics, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion systems.
• Support the creation of technical documentation including specifications, integration guides, and validation reports.
• Contribute to failure mode analysis, thermal modeling, and risk mitigation related to electric propulsion hardware.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, supplier capabilities, and best practices in electric propulsion for small, unmanned aircraft

Required Skills/Qualifications

• 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 Skills/Qualifications

• Fluency in MATLAB
• Fluency in design in 3D CAD system. SolidWorks preferred.

Education

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

Clearance Level Required: None

Export Control / ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.

Travel Required: Less Than 10%.

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to stop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Work Authorization Requirement

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Salary

$112,000 – $153,000 annually

Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.

Benefits

• Our benefits are DZYNE’ed for your overall health and financial wellness.
• DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE.
• DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays.
• Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.