Senior Propulsion Engineer, Combustion

ABOUT US:Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.WHO WE ARE:We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.WHO YOU ARE:You are a Senior Propulsion Engineer experienced in designing the combustion devices within propulsion systems. You come from a background working in ground power, aviation, automotive, or rocketry. You approach your work from a robust set of first principles which enable you to work methodically through challenging technical problems with feedback from test verification.WHAT YOU’LL DO:Lead conceptual trades for novel combustors while considering system-level impactsComplete detailed designs with supporting structural, thermal, and fluid analysesImplement advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve performance and reliability at scaleAssemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, and establish work instructionsConduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metricsUnderstand empirical trends and iterate quickly through component-level and integrated testingDiagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actionsWHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:5+ years hands-on experience designing combustion devices for use in propulsion or similarly complex environmentsExpertise in design and analysis of airbreathing combustors, igniters, and fuel systemsProficient in CAD solid body and surface modeling (Siemens NX), engineering drawings, and GD&TStrong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behaviorHands-on prototype assembly and test stand experienceExperience with data acquisition and instrumentation selection for analyzing stability and performance in elevated temperate environmentsUnderstanding and familiarity with high-temperature materials, coatings, and joining methods relevant to combustionExperience with root-cause analysis of hardware failuresTakes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)Flexibility to work in fast-paced environmentAttentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all workPERKS & BENEFITS:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)401(k) program and transparent stock option planSelf-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick timeFlexible work environmentADDITIONAL 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.