Astro Mechanica

Supersonics for the new Jet Age

Senior Propulsion Design Engineer

Location
San Francisco
Job Type
Full-time
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Ian Brooke
Ian Brooke
Founder

About the role

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 Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production, and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. 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 embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Ideate on design trade studies while considering system-level impacts

  • Complete detailed design and support with structural, thermal, fluid analyses

  • Present design reviews and solicit feedback from stakeholders

  • Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, establish work instructions

  • Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics

  • Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

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

  • Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX)

  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T

  • Understanding of propulsion systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery

  • Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, and power electronics

  • 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.

About Astro Mechanica

Astro Mechanica is a fast-growing startup on a mission to reinvent supersonic aircraft. We’re an engineering collective innovating on engine, airframe, and systems that industry hasn’t in over 50 years. With the world’s first turboelectric adaptive jet engine — efficient at every speed — we’re ready to revolutionize flight from national security to commercial aviation.

Astro Mechanica
Founded:2021
Batch:W24
Team Size:19
Status:
Active
Location:San Francisco
Founders
Ian Brooke
Ian Brooke
Founder