Senior Propulsion Engineer

Slope; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive equity grants

Health and recovery support

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Costa Mesa, CA, is looking for a Propulsion Engineer to join the Maneuver Dominance team. This role involves critical engine development, integrating propulsion systems for unmanned air vehicles, and driving projects from design to production.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of propulsion engineering experience, a BS or higher degree in a related field, and knowledge of aircraft engine fundamentals. The salary range for this position is between $166,000 and $220,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles.
• Professional experience with Turboshaft/Turboprop and Reciprocating engines.
• Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft using CAD.

Responsibilities

• Select and integrate aircraft engines and fuel systems on unmanned vehicles.
• Design, fabricate, and test prototype components.
• Plan and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Engine design

Testing engines

CAD design

Manufacturing methods

Education

BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

NX/Teamcenter

Instrumentation tools

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Here you will work on core product development for rotorcraft and complex systems, including but not limited to avionics, batteries, mechanisms, structures, sensors and payloads. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands‑on and a self‑starter.

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our Maneuver Dominance team in Costa Mesa, CA. As a Propulsion Engineer, you will take designs from concept through prototype, test, and into production on timelines measured in months. Our team operates at the intersection of high‑performance rotating machinery, advanced manufacturing, and rapid flight test, delivering propulsion systems that are redefining what’s possible for defense applications. You will work on engine development in a lean, high‑ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to test and fly new hardware within months, not years.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Critical member of team for selection and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and fuel systems on unmanned air vehicles
• Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems
• Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems
• Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects
• Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed
• Critical member of team supporting CAD design for internal aerodynamic loft, surfaces and structures
• Travel to test sites as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned)
• Professional experience with Turboshaft/Turboprop and Reciprocating engines
• Knowledge of jet and piston engine fundamentals
• Experience with use of engine cycle decks
• Exposure to testing of engines or powertrain components
• Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft (CAD)
• Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc)
• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
• Eligible to obtain and be able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in NX/Teamcenter
• Hands‑on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing
• Knowledge and experience working with Engine Management Systems (EMS), OEM or motorsport
• Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance

US Salary Range

$166,000 — $220,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full‑time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. Explore Our Benefits.