Staff Propulsion Engineer - Air Vehicles

2w2 weeks ago

Anduril

Costa Mesa, US · Full-time · $220,000 – $292,000

About this role

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. As a Staff Propulsion Engineer on the Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team, you will own the full development lifecycle of propulsion systems for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms.

In this role, 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. You will design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems, and plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.

You will coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects while supporting critical hardware demonstrations with customers. The team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for complex, contested environments, leveraging cutting-edge autonomy, AI, and sensor fusion technologies.

This position offers the opportunity to drive high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems from concept generation through integration and flight test. You will work at the forefront of defense technology, bringing innovative propulsion solutions to the military in months, not years.

Requirements

12+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
Professional experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
Experience leading the integration of propulsion systems into air vehicles and acting as the technical authority for major subsystems.
Experience utilizing, customizing, or tailoring thermodynamic engine cycle decks to perform installed engine performance predictions.
Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs and troubleshooting anomalies.
Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft (CAD) with the ability to perform design reviews and provide detailed technical feedback.
Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.).
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.

Benefits

Base salary range of $220,000—$292,000 USD.
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defense technology for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms.
Involvement in full development lifecycle from concept generation to flight test.
Access to advanced AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion technologies.