Propulsion Mechanical Engineer (Combustion) - Dropship
About The Position
Pyka's goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation. To achieve this, Pyka is applying its technologies to various industries, starting with high-value and dangerous jobs. The company designs, develops, and manufactures an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes. Pyka currently supplies autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to customers globally and has secured regulatory approvals from the FAA. Their cargo aircraft enhances delivery networks and shipping of critical supplies, while their crop protection aircraft offers a safer, more precise, and environmentally friendly aerial application tool. Both vehicles are economical to operate, easy to deploy, and reduce CO2 emissions. Working at Pyka contributes to improving lives and advancing the future of electric aviation.
Requirements
- 1–4+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or high-performance vehicles (strong internship, co-op, or intensive university hands-on project team experience—like Formula SAE, DBF, or Rocketry—is highly valued)
- A strong technical or personal background with combustion engines. You understand the levers for power (fueling, turbos) and the thermal implications of high-output systems.
- Ability to perform basic sizing and "back-of-the-envelope" calculations for fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD and experience using FEA to validate design decisions.
- Basic understanding of designing parts for CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, and composite integration.
- Excitement to be in the shop building, instrumenting, and "wrenching" on hardware.
- Excellent verbal and written skills; a proactive problem-solver who asks for clarification and provides candid feedback.
Responsibilities
- Design Responsible Engineer (DRE): Take full ownership of specific mechanical components, from requirement definition through prototyping, testing, and serial production.
- Propulsion Systems Design: Design mounts, cooling ducts, and integration hardware for combustion systems, ensuring they meet strict weight and performance targets.
- Analysis & Validation: Use a mix of hand calculations and FEA/CFD to validate stress, stiffness, and thermal management (e.g., coolant flow and heat rejection).
- Prototyping & Testing: Lead hands-on assembly of propulsion systems and design the necessary tooling/fixtures to support testing and manufacturing.
- Documentation: Create and maintain high-fidelity 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and detailed engineering drawings with meticulous attention to GD&T.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Manufacturing and Flight Test teams to root-cause hardware bugs and implement solutions rapidly.
Benefits
- Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
- FSA with employer matching
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
