Turbomachinery Test Engineer

Mach-Industries; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement plans

Equity options

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to support calibration and testing of advanced small engine systems for airborne defense platforms. You will ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop high-performance, manufacturable propulsion solutions.

The role requires hands-on testing, CAD proficiency (NX/SolidWorks), and willingness to travel for short off-site tests.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience focusing on engine systems or related mechanical platforms.
• Experience leading test operations and understanding flight test campaigns.
• Hands-on prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems.
• Willing to support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges.

Responsibilities

• Create test systems and infrastructure including test cells and instrumentation packages.
• Develop control systems for test cells with high data accuracy.
• Execute verification and validation test plans for engines and related systems.
• Assist in assembly, integration, and testing of first articles and flight assets.
• Collaborate with propulsion design, systems integration, and manufacturing teams to optimize tests.
• Analyze test data to validate engine performance, identify anomalies, and suggest improvements.
• Support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges as needed to meet milestones.

Skills

Test operations

Flight test campaigns

Prototyping & testing

Off-site testing readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to support the calibration and testing of advanced small engine systems for the next generation of airborne defense platforms. As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our propulsion systems, helping to maintain the United States’ strategic edge in modern warfare. Your expertise will drive the development and validation of high-performance engines that power autonomous defense platforms.

Mach Propulsion is redefining the small turbine engine—designing for high-rate production, scalability, modularity, and adaptability to help the United States maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. This is a chance to shape a new kind of propulsion company, one built around modern, automated manufacturing to deliver capable engines at meaningful volumes. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create high-performance, manufacturable systems that meet demanding mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Create test systems and infrastructure including test cells and instrumentation packages.
• Develop control systems for test cells maintaining high accuracy and quality of data reported.
• Execute verification and validation test plans of engines and related systems.
• Assist in assembly, integration, and testing activities for first articles and first flight assets.
• Collaborate with propulsion design, systems integration, and manufacturing teams to ensure test results inform system optimization.
• Analyze test data to validate engine performance, identify anomalies, and recommend improvements.
• Support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges as needed to meet project milestones.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on engine systems, drivetrain, or complex mechanical systems, emphasis on test preferred.
• Multi-talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and experience with engineering analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD).
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems.
• Willing to support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing small turbine engines or propulsion systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Familiarity with test cell design, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for propulsion testing.
• Knowledge of flight test campaigns and aerospace validation processes.
• Experience with control systems development for high-precision testing environments.
• Understanding of defense industry standards for propulsion system testing and certification.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$115,000 - $150,000 USD

$155,000 - $195,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Mach Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 07/31/2029
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere .

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