Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)
About The Position
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
- Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
- Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
- Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
- U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
- Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
- Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
- Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
- Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
- Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
Responsibilities
- Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
- Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
- Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
- Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
- Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
- Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
- Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
- Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
- Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
