Senior Propulsion Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program with stock options

Flexible time-off policy

Weekly team lunches

Company swag

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production, focusing on innovative jet engine development. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and expertise in fluidic and mechanical systems, as well as proficiency in CAD modeling using Siemens NX. This role includes responsibilities like conducting hardware tests and collaborating on design trade studies, aiming for high standards of quality and innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems.
• Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Ideate on design trade studies considering system-level impacts.
• Conduct hardware tests and analyze data to verify requirements.

Skills

Fluidic systems

Mechanical systems

Propulsion systems

CAD modeling (Siemens NX)

Manufacturing processes

Thermodynamics

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on‑demand, point‑to‑point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—including Duality™, our proprietary dual‑use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high‑speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE:

We're a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. We’re generalists who each have subject matter expertise and operate in a flat organizational structure. We move fast and build world‑changing technology in a pragmatic and competent workplace culture.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production, and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Duality™ engine.

In this role, your mission will be to shepherd our innovative jet engine and subsystems hardware from early prototype through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight. You embody the test‑like‑you‑fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Ideate on design trade studies while considering system‑level impacts
• Complete detailed design and support with structural, thermal, fluid analyses
• Present design reviews and solicit feedback from stakeholders
• Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, establish work instructions
• Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics
• Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 10+ years hands‑on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, propulsion systems
• Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX)
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
• Understanding of propulsion systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery
• Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, and power electronics
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
• Flexibility to work in fast‑paced environment
• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self‑managed and flexible time‑off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment
• Company‑funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in‑office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.