Propulsion Design Engineer - Structures, San Francisco

Propulsion Design Engineer - Structures

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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 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 Duality™ 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:

2+ 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.

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Location:: San Francisco

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