Propulsion Engineering Group Head II

General Dynamics Corporation; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah seeks a Group Head II Propulsion Analysis to lead a multi-disciplinary propulsion team. You will guide engine performance studies, modeling, certification, and integration efforts across aircraft programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with OEMs, and advancement of propulsion analytics capabilities using NPSS and AxSTREAM within a rigorous aviation safety framework.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; MS preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of propulsion/ powerplant integration experience.
• Engineering leadership and people management experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, gas turbine engine performance.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 25 certification requirements.
• Experience with engine OEMs and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of propulsion engineers, including hiring and performance management.
• Set priorities and allocate resources to support aircraft programs and technology initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership for propulsion system definition and aircraft-engine integration.
• Oversee development and validation of propulsion analytical models (e.g., NPSS, AxSTREAM).
• Ensure propulsion interfaces (fan, nacelle, bleed systems) are properly defined and verified.
• Drive certification activities and interface with engine manufacturers.

Skills

Engineering leadership

People management

Propulsion systems knowledge

Thermodynamics

Aircraft propulsion interfaces

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NPSS

AxSTREAM

Job description

Propulsion Engineering Group Head II in GAC Savannah

Group Head Propulsion Analysis

Department Description

The Propulsion Analysis organization is part of the Flight Sciences organization and is responsible for the definition, assessment, integration, and certification of propulsion systems throughout all phases of aircraft development, from preliminary aircraft design through certification and entry into service. The team works closely with Aircraft Performance, Avionics, Environmental Control Systems, Flight Test, Certification, Structures, Systems Engineering, and engine manufacturers to define propulsion system requirements and ensure successful aircraft-engine integration.

Key responsibilities include preliminary propulsion system trade studies and engine selection activities, definition and auditing of engine performance requirements, engine cycle modeling and optimization using industry-standard tools (e.g., NPSS, AxSTREAM), development and verification of propulsion-aircraft interfaces, performance assessment of fan and thrust reverser systems, optimization of engine bleed extraction strategies supporting ECS and wing/cowl anti-ice functions, propulsion certification support, and in-service performance monitoring through aircraft data analytics. The organization also provides technical leadership and oversight to engine OEMs throughout the product lifecycle.

Education & Experience

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required; MS preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in propulsion, powerplant integration, aircraft systems, or related engineering disciplines.
• Previous engineering leadership and people management experience required is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, gas turbine engine performance, and aircraft propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 25 certification requirements and compliance activities.
• Experience working with engine OEMs and cross-functional engineering organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive organizational performance.

Job Description

• Lead and develop a team of propulsion engineers, including hiring, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and succession planning activities.
• Establish organizational priorities, allocate resources, and ensure successful execution of engineering deliverables supporting aircraft programs and technology initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership for propulsion system definition, engine selection studies, performance analysis, engine cycle modeling, and aircraft-engine integration activities.
• Oversee the development, validation, and application of propulsion analytical models using tools such as NPSS, AxSTREAM, and other company-developed methodologies.
• Ensure proper definition, assessment, and verification of propulsion system interfaces, including fan systems, thrust reversers, nacelle integration, and associated aircraft systems.
• Guide optimization of engine bleed extraction requirements supporting Environmental Control Systems, wing anti-ice, cowl anti-ice, and other auxiliary aircraft functions.
• Lead propulsion certification activities and ensure compliance with FAA Part 25 and company requirements.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with engine manufacturers, supporting requirement definition, design reviews, technical audits, issue resolution, and program execution.
• Oversee data analytics initiatives leveraging aircraft operational databases to support engine performance monitoring, troubleshooting, calibration improvements, and in-service product support.
• Drive development of advanced analytical methods, digital engineering capabilities, and process improvements to increase engineering efficiency and technical capability.
• Identify technical and programmatic risks and develop mitigation strategies supporting safety, performance, certification, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Engineering or related curriculum required or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job. 13 years Engineering experience. 8 years specific technical discipline. Experience credit considered for related advanced degrees limited to 2 yrs with Masters and 4 yrs with PhD in field applicable to this job. 5 years supervisory or broad managerial responsibility.

Position Purpose:

Leads a multi-disciplined group of engineering employees with diverse skills. Utilizing creative and mature engineering judgment, manages complex engineering problems by directing subordinate employees. Determines program objectives and requirements, organizes and estimates work scope of programs and projects.

Job Description

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Develops and administers organizational unit schedules, tasks, and deliverables, sets performance requirements, estimates work scopes, ensures quality of delivered product, and monitors budget performance.
• Manages directly, or through subordinates, employees that perform similar or related tasks; establishes performance expectations, conducts performance appraisals, salary management, and participates in development, training, and counseling of employees.
• Responsible for establishing and executing objectives that support both short and long term goals.
• Conducts briefings for senior level management and conducts technical meetings for internal/external contacts and customers.
• Acts as an advisor to subordinate supervisors or staff members to meet schedules and resolve complex technical or operational problems. .
• Directly participates in functional projects; must lead a cooperative effort among members of a project team.

Additional Functions:

• Interprets, executes, and recommends modifications to organizational policies. .

Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:

• The level of managerial skills and abilities appropriate for this grade may be established by each discipline.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills and the ability to gain the cooperation of others.

This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Additional Information

Requisition Number: 235248

Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%

Shift: First

Employment Type: Full-time

Posting End Date: 10/16/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft.