Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms . Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

- 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 (UAVs).

- 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.

- Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.

- 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.

- Experience advising executive leadership on technical risks, representing the company to key customers / government agencies, and mentoring mid-to-senior level engineers.

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

- Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.

- Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade-offs.

- Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.

- Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.