Propulsion Mechanical Engineer - Combustion with Equity

Pyka; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays and PTO

Free catered lunch

Job summary

Pyka is seeking a Propulsion Mechanical Engineer to bridge traditional airframe design with propulsion integration. You will own engine and thermal management subsystems, taking concepts through prototyping to serial production in a fast‑moving team.

This role requires a hands‑on mindset, spending substantial time in the shop and CAD work, performing analysis, and validating designs through testing and data‑driven iteration.

Qualifications

• 1–4+ years in mechanical design, aerospace or high‑performance vehicles; internship/co-op valued.
• Engine touch and understanding of power/thermal implications of high‑output systems.
• Ability to perform sizing and back‑of‑the-envelope calculations for fluids, heat transfer, and structures.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and using FEA to validate design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of mechanical components from definition through prototyping, testing, and serial production.
• Design mounts, cooling ducts, and integration hardware for combustion systems with weight/perform­ance targets.
• Use hand calculations and FEA/CFD for stress, stiffness, and thermal validation.
• Lead hands‑on assembly, instrumenting, and tooling/fixtures for testing and manufacturing.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD drawings with GD&T.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Flight Test to rapidly root‑cause issues.

Skills

DRE ownership

Propulsion design

Thermal management

CAD/FEA

Hands-on fabrication

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Job description

Pyka is seeking a Propulsion Mechanical Engineer to bridge traditional airframe design with propulsion integration. You will own engine and thermal management subsystems, taking concepts through prototyping to serial production in a fast‑moving team.

This role requires a hands‑on mindset, spending substantial time in the shop and CAD work, performing analysis, and validating designs through testing and data‑driven iteration.