Principal Propulsion Engineer - Air Breathing Engine Integration

2w2 weeks ago

Anduril

Costa Mesa, US · Full-time · $253,000 – $336,000

About this role

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. 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 lead the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles. You will design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems, then plan and execute propulsion system tests.

You will coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects while leading critical hardware demonstrations with customers. Travel to test sites is required to support flight-test readiness and system-level anomaly troubleshooting.

This role offers ownership of the full development lifecycle from concept generation to flight test. You will define technology roadmaps, influence engine OEM design decisions, and mentor mid-to-senior engineers in a mission-driven environment.

Requirements

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.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Support CAD design for inlet and exhaust shaping, surfaces, and structures.
Travel to test sites as needed.