Senior Conceptual Design Engineer

Delos; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking a Conceptual Design Engineer to develop unmanned aircraft and missile concepts from mission requirements through preliminary design.

You will define vehicle architectures, perform sizing and trade studies, and guide decisions across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and mission systems. Collaborate with engineers to mature designs and balance performance with manufacturability and cost.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in conceptual design for aircraft, missile, or unmanned vehicles.
• Ability to balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design translating mission requirements into viable aircraft/missile concepts.
• Develop baseline architectures and perform first-order sizing and trade studies.
• Drive system-level integration across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and other disciplines.
• Present concepts and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Aerospace engineering knowledge

System-level design decisions

Multidisciplinary trade studies

Data-driven recommendations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

Creo

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Conceptual Design Engineer to develop and mature next-generation unmanned aircraft and missile concepts from mission requirements through preliminary design.

In this role, you will define vehicle architectures, perform first-order sizing and multidisciplinary trade studies, and guide system-level design decisions across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, manufacturing, and mission systems. Working closely with Air Vehicle Design Engineers and subject matter experts across the organization, you will establish baseline vehicle configurations and drive engineering decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, technical risk, and mission effectiveness.

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving open-ended design problems, evaluating competing concepts, and shaping the overall direction of advanced aerospace vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design efforts by translating mission requirements into viable aircraft and missile concepts.
• Develop baseline vehicle architectures through first-order sizing, configuration development, and multidisciplinary trade studies.
• Evaluate competing design concepts by balancing aerodynamic performance, propulsion integration, structural efficiency, manufacturability, cost, and mission effectiveness, with awareness of survivability considerations where applicable.
• Drive system-level integration across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, payloads, guidance, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines throughout early vehicle development.
• Partner with Air Vehicle Design Engineers to mature conceptual designs into integrated vehicle layouts and preliminary CAD models.
• Identify technical risks, evaluate design alternatives, and provide data-driven recommendations throughout the design process.
• Present vehicle concepts, engineering trade studies, and technical recommendations to engineering leadership and program stakeholders.
• Support vehicle development from conceptual design through preliminary design, prototype integration, and flight testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing aircraft, missile, or unmanned vehicle concepts through conceptual design, vehicle sizing, configuration development, and multidisciplinary trade studies.
• Strong understanding of aircraft or missile performance, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and systems integration.
• Demonstrated ability to make system-level design decisions while balancing competing technical requirements and program constraints.
• Experience communicating technical analyses and design recommendations to multidisciplinary engineering teams and technical leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master\'s or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO) methodologies and design optimization techniques.
• Experience developing UAS, missile, or other advanced aerospace vehicles from concept through prototype development or flight test.
• Familiarity with high-speed, high-altitude, or low-observable vehicle design.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools such as NX, CATIA, or Creo to support conceptual layouts and vehicle integration.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!