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 impacts - Complete detailed designs with supporting structural, thermal, and fluid analyses - Implement advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve performance and reliability at scale - Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, and establish work instructions - Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics - Understand empirical trends and iterate quickly through component-level and integrated testing - Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: - 5+ years hands-on experience designing combustion devices for use in propulsion or similarly complex environments - Expertise in design and analysis of airbreathing combustors, igniters, and fuel systems - Proficient in CAD solid body and surface modeling (Siemens NX), engineering drawings, and GD&T - Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behavior - Hands-on prototype assembly and test stand experience - Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation selection for analyzing stability and performance in elevated temperate environments - Understanding and familiarity with high-temperature materials, coatings, and joining methods relevant to combustion - Experience with root-cause analysis of hardware failures - 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 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.