Senior Rotordynamics Engineer

Astromecha; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Astromecha is seeking a Senior Rotordynamics Engineer in San Francisco, CA. The successful candidate will lead rotordynamic analysis of turbomachinery systems and execute test campaigns for validating performance. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience, especially in turbomachinery design, and be proficient with tools like StarCCM+ and GasTurb. Astromecha offers comprehensive benefits, a flexible work environment, and values in-office collaboration to enhance company culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in turbomachinery design with demonstrated rotordynamic analysis.
• Hands-on experience with rotordynamic modelling tools.
• Experience with propulsion cycle tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead rotordynamic analysis of turbomachinery systems.
• Define and execute test campaigns for rotordynamic validation.
• Develop and iterate computational models with rotordynamic constraints.

Skills

Rotordynamic analysis

Turbomachinery design

CFD techniques

Mechanical validation

Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

Effective communication

Tools

StarCCM+

GasTurb

NPSS

Siemens NX

Job description

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace.

We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

If this sounds like how you operate, check out our job openings below.

Location

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Propulsion

Compensation

• $150K – $225K

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—which include 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 passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is looking for a Senior Rotordynamics Engineer with the knowledge and skill to refine the development of our terrestrial and aviation turbomachinery through your understanding of the detailed physical processes that happen within them. Your experience may be rooted in ground-power, aviation, or space-based applications. You understand the physical behavior of rotating systems as deeply on paper as you do at the test stand, and you’ve built the analytical models to prove it.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Lead rotordynamic analysis of turbomachinery systems, including critical speed prediction, stability margins, imbalance response, torsional analysis, modal analysis, and Campbell diagram development

Bearing selection, preload definition, stiffness and damping trade studies, thermal management and lubrication system

Define and execute test campaigns instrumented specifically for rotordynamic validation

Develop and iterate computational models (StarCCM+, AxSTREAM) with rotordynamic constraints in mind

Utilize propulsion cycle models (GasTurb, NPSS) to assess how compressor maps and mechanical behavior interact under dynamic loading conditions

Define GD&T for rotating assemblies through tolerance analysis, considering the effects on rotor balance, seal clearances, and dynamic behavior

Partner with manufacturing to ensure production of high-precision rotating components with balance grades, runout tolerances, and assembly sequence in mind

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

5+ years in turbomachinery design with demonstrated rotordynamic analysis and mechanical packaging ownership on real hardware

Hands-on experience with rotordynamic modelling tools (DyRoBes or equivalent)

Experience with blade and compressor geometry development using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods (StarCCM+, AxStream)

Experience with test instrumentation and data reduction specifically for mechanical validation (vibration, whirl, and rotor response)

Experience with propulsion cycle tools (GasTurb, NPSS) and how compressor mechanical behavior couples to cycle performance

Proficient in CAD for rotating assemblies (Siemens NX) and multiphysics analysis

Experience with scripting for analysis automation and post-processing (Python, MATLAB)

Effective communicator capable of leading cross-functional design reviews and contributing to system architecture discussions

PERKS & 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

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.