Staff Propulsion Engineer - sUAS Powerplant Lead

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Equity grants for new hires

Unlimited PTO

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Firestorm is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion to own propulsion systems for our sUAS platforms. The role spans engine selection, integration, calibration, and qualification across fuel-based aircraft, from small piston engines to micro turbojets.

You will spend time at test stands, in the engine cell, and on the flight line, designing test articles, developing ECU calibrations, investigating failures, and collaborating with airframe and systems engineering to ensure power,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related field.
• U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR.
• 7+ years of propulsion engineering experience with small piston engines.
• Deep knowledge of internal combustion fundamentals (thermodynamics, AFR, combustion).
• Hands-on experience with engine test stands and data acquisition.
• Experience with EFI Systems and fuel systems across flight envelope.
• Experience with structured failure investigations (RCA/FMEA/FMECA/FTA).
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data reduction and modeling.
• Familiarity with propeller selection for fixed-wing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own development and integration of propulsion systems (piston and micro turbojet).
• Develop and execute engine test plans on stands and in-flight.
• Lead engine calibration and tuning (AFR targets, ignition timing).
• Design and analyze fuel systems across flight envelope.
• Investigate propulsion anomalies and drive corrective action.
• Specify and qualify propellers in coordination with aero team.
• Maintain propulsion documentation and budgets.
• Partner on engine cooling, exhaust routing, and heat rejection.
• Interface with OEMs and vendors for propulsion procurement.
• Travel to test sites and customer locations for tests and troubleshooting.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

EFI Systems

Dyno instrumentation

Job description

Firestorm is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion to own propulsion systems for our sUAS platforms. The role spans engine selection, integration, calibration, and qualification across fuel-based aircraft, from small piston engines to micro turbojets.

You will spend time at test stands, in the engine cell, and on the flight line, designing test articles, developing ECU calibrations, investigating failures, and collaborating with airframe and systems engineering to ensure power,