Principal Propulsion Engineer

Heaviside Industries • Marina Del Rey, CA

1d

About The Position

Heaviside Industries is hiring a Principal Propulsion Engineer to set technical direction for propulsion across its air vehicle programs, from concept through rate production. The role owns the design, analysis, and qualification of engines, fuel systems, and related subsystems for expendable vehicles, and leads propulsion testing and flight-test activities. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to support repeatable in-house production, define assembly and acceptance processes, mentor engineers, and evaluate component vendors and build-versus-buy options.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent practical experience, with a strong foundation in thermodynamics, combustion, and fluid mechanics.
• 8+ years of experience designing, developing, and testing aircraft or small-engine propulsion systems, including deep hands-on engine development work.
• Proven record of taking a propulsion system from prototype through qualification and into production, including ownership of design-for-manufacturing decisions.
• Hands-on experience with engine dynamometer testing, data acquisition, and analysis of performance, mixture, and thermal data.
• Experience designing, analyzing, and testing propellers for unmanned or small aircraft, including blade geometry, engine-propeller matching, thrust and efficiency characterization, and structural and vibration considerations.
• Proficiency with CAD such as SolidWorks or NX, as well as GD&T and tolerance analysis for precision engine components.
• Experience with engine performance optimization, including intake and exhaust tuning, fuel delivery, and lubrication and cooling strategy.
• Ability to set technical direction, lead design reviews, and influence engineers and managers across disciplines.
• U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fixed-wing aircraft or UAV propulsion, including engine installation, fuel systems, and flight-test support.
• Background in HVAC or thermal systems engineering, especially compressors, heat transfer, or airflow design.
• Familiarity with engine simulation tools such as GT-POWER or CFD packages for intake, exhaust, and cooling analysis.
• Experience with additive manufacturing or precision casting for engine components.
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction for propulsion across air vehicle programs, from concept through rate production.
• Own the design, analysis, and qualification of engines, fuel systems, and related subsystems.
• Lead dynamometer and bench testing to characterize power, fuel consumption, thermal behavior, and altitude performance, and use the data to inform design changes.
• Direct field and flight test campaigns for propulsion, define pass criteria, and lead root-cause investigations through closure.
• Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality engineers to design engines and components for repeatable in-house production at increasing volume.
• Define assembly processes, acceptance test procedures, and inspection criteria for engine builds on the Los Angeles production floor.
• Mentor senior and mid-level engineers on propulsion design reviews, failure analysis, and test planning across multiple teams.
• Evaluate and qualify vendors for engine components and castings, and determine when to build in-house versus buy.

Benefits

• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options may be available to full-time hires.
• Access to medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal