Senior Propulsion Engineer-UAV IC Piston Engines and Jet Engines
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About the Role
We are looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer to lead the development of internal combustion piston engines and small jet propulsion systems for UAV applications. This role requires strong experience across the full engineering lifecycle, including design, prototyping, testing, validation, and industrialization.
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Role Overview
We are looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer to lead the development of internal combustion piston engines and small jet propulsion systems for UAV applications.
This role requires strong experience across the full engineering lifecycle, including design, prototyping, testing, validation, and industrialization.
The ideal candidate has previously developed propulsion systems not only from a design perspective, but also through practical prototype build, testing, troubleshooting, and transition into production-ready solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of IC piston engines and jet propulsion systems for UAV applications.
- Define propulsion architecture, performance requirements, packaging, interfaces, and integration constraints for UAV platforms.
- Perform engineering analysis covering combustion, mechanical design, thermal behavior, vibration, durability, cooling, fuel systems, and overall system integration.
- Design and develop propulsion subsystems including intake, exhaust, fuel delivery, lubrication, cooling, mounting, and engine integration hardware.
- Manage prototype development from concept through detailed design, manufacturing follow-up, assembly, and functional testing.
- Plan and execute bench tests, endurance tests, performance tests, and validation activities for propulsion systems and subcomponents.
- Analyze test data, identify issues, lead root cause investigations, and implement design improvements.
- Support integration of propulsion systems into UAV platforms in collaboration with airframe, controls, electrical, manufacturing, and flight test teams.
- Drive industrialization and production readiness, including manufacturability improvements, part standardization, process definition, inspection planning, and production support.
- Prepare and maintain engineering deliverables including drawings, BOMs, technical specifications, test procedures, qualification plans, and manufacturing documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in IC piston engines, UAV propulsion systems, small gas turbines, turbojet engines, or similar powertrain or propulsion applications.
- Hands-on experience with CAD tools for propulsion component and assembly design, and CAE tools for engineering analysis and validation.
- Demonstrated experience in design, prototyping, testing, and industrialization of propulsion products.
- Strong understanding of engine systems, thermodynamics, combustion, rotating machinery, vibration, thermal management, and mechanical integration.
- Hands-on experience in prototype build, bench testing, troubleshooting, and performance development.
- Experience supporting transition from development to production, including DFM, process definition, supplier coordination, and production support.
- Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and lead technical development activities in a startup environment.
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