Propulsion Design Engineer - Structures

ABOUT US:

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.

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 looking for a Propulsion Design Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of structural 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, manufacturability, and reliability of the turboelectric adaptive jet engine.

In this role, your mission will be to design, analyze, and validate critical mechanical systems from early prototype through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Own hardware design including CAD, detailed drawings, and application of GD&T

Complete design trade studies informed by material selection, thermal loads, and mechanical requirements

Use hand calculations and computational tools (FEA) to optimize structural effectiveness and analyze reliability under real-world conditions

Design and analyze material joining methods, including welding, brazing, and fastened joints

Design manufacturing tooling and fixturing to support hardware fabrication and prototype assembly

Assemble prototypes firsthand, establish work instructions, and support testing and debugging WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

5+ years hands-on experience with structural and mechanical systems, ideally in propulsion or aerospace hardware

Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX), drawing generation, and GD&T

Strong understanding of materials, including alloy selection, tempers, heat treatments, and joining methods

Experience using FEA tools with efficient mesh controls and understanding of structural load cases

Familiarity with mechanical components and mechanisms: motors, actuators, gears

Capable of designing tooling and supporting prototype builds from design to test

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 & 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.