Senior Propulsion Engineer, sUAS & Micro Turbines

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Equity grants

Job summary

Firestorm in San Diego, CA is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer to own propulsion systems for sUAS platforms, from piston engines to micro turbines. You’ll select, integrate, calibrate, and qualify powerplants to meet endurance and performance goals, with hands-on work at test stands, engine cells, and flight lines.

You’ll lead engine testing, calibration, and fuel systems design, collaborating with airframe, thermal, and electrical teams to deliver reliable propulsion across the full mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years in propulsion engineering, preferably with piston/heavy‑fuel engines or small gas turbines.
• Deep knowledge of internal combustion fundamentals: thermodynamic cycles, AFR, combustion, knock, ignition, exhaust.
• Hands‑on experience with engine test stands, dyno instrumentation, fuel flow measurement, EGT/CHT instrumentation, data acquisition.
• Experience with EFI systems and ECU calibration (EFI Technology, MoTeC, Currawong, or equivalent).
• Fuel system design across the full flight envelope—altitude, attitude, and thermal effects.

Responsibilities

• Own development and integration of small piston engines and micro turbojet propulsion systems, including engine selection and testing campaigns.
• Develop and execute engine test plans on stands and in-flight: power/torque mapping, BSFC, endurance runs, vibration surveys, altitude/temperature testing.
• Lead engine calibration and tuning including AFR targets, EGT management, ignition timing, and injector strategy.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

ECU calibration

Python/MATLAB

Engine testing

Fuel systems design

Data analysis

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

EFI Technology

MoTeC

Currawong

Job description

Firestorm in San Diego, CA is seeking a Staff Propulsion Engineer to own propulsion systems for sUAS platforms, from piston engines to micro turbines. You’ll select, integrate, calibrate, and qualify powerplants to meet endurance and performance goals, with hands-on work at test stands, engine cells, and flight lines.

You’ll lead engine testing, calibration, and fuel systems design, collaborating with airframe, thermal, and electrical teams to deliver reliable propulsion across the full mission