Senior Propulsion Development Engineer

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is reinventing supersonic aircraft by innovating on engine, airframe, and systems that industry hasn’t in over 50 years. Our electric combined cycle engine, Duality, is the world’s first jet engine that's engineered for efficiency from takeoff to Mach 3+. This new propulsion technology enables the delivery of people and payloads anywhere on Earth in just hours, laying the foundation for a new operational paradigm: an affordable point-to-point global travel network that will make on-demand, high-speed air transport the new standard of travel.

WHO WE ARE:

We're a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. We’re generalists who each have subject matter expertise and operate in a flat organizational structure. We move fast and build world-changing technology in a pragmatic and competent workplace culture.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who has a deep-seated understanding of complex system dynamics, and can take full ownership of hardware testing from concept to production. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Duality engine.

In this role, your mission will be to shepherd our innovative jet engine and subsystems hardware from early prototype through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight. You will have firsthand responsibility that every new design is rigorously tested to ensure quality and performance metrics are met prior to aircraft integration before leaving the ground. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Create test plans, objectives, methodologies, and establish operational ranges

• Define instrumentation placement with understanding of measurement limitations

• Analyze data for characterization hardware behavior and performance

• Diagnose hardware/software problems efficiently and perform corrective actions

• Hold data reviews communicating test results while highlighting anomalies

• Maintain data processing scripts, develop automation to increase test throughput and reliability

• Continually improve facility capabilities to increase test throughput and reliability

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and propulsion systems, test operations

• Experience with hazardous environments (flammables, high voltage, pressurized systems) and safety mitigations

• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, load cells, relays, solenoids, regulators, pneumatics)

• Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems, PLC hardware, communication protocol, data structures, and software interfaces

• Proficiency with PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)

• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment

• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS AND 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

• Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

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.