Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Turbine Engine Integration)

The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team designs and integrates advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms. As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.
• Travel to test sites as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
• Professional experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
• Mastery of engine cycle decks and thermodynamic modeling; ability to influence engine OEM design decisions to match vehicle requirements.
• Served as the Chief Engineer or ultimate technical authority on a major propulsion program, defining technology roadmaps and architectural baselines.
• Experience identifying and selecting strategic propulsion suppliers, managing critical OEM relationships, and establishing qualified supply chains.
• Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs (including static / ground off wing testing, qualification, acceptance, flight-test readiness) and troubleshooting system level anomalies.
• Experience advising executive leadership on technical risks, representing the company to key customers / government agencies, and mentoring mid-to-senior level engineers.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB, IADs.
• Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
• Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade-offs.
• Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.
• Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range: $253,000-$336,000 USD per year
• Highly competitive equity grants
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including health, recovery, and other support