Senior Combustion Devices Engineer
Job description
Senior Combustion Devices Engineer at Astro Mechanica.
About the role
This role leads combustion device development for propulsion systems at an aerospace company focused on supersonic flight. The position advances system-level integration and high-temperature component design for government and future commercial platforms.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Conceptual trade studies guide novel combustor development while system-level impacts on vehicle performance are considered.
Detailed designs are produced with structural, thermal, and fluid analyses that define component specifications.
Prototypes are assembled, complementary tooling is designed, and work instructions are established for downstream teams.
Hardware test campaigns are run, and measurement data is analyzed to verify requirements and performance metrics for propulsion systems.
Empirical trends guide design refinement through component-level and integrated testing.
Hardware problems are diagnosed, and corrective actions are identified to restore function and durability.
Requirements
Bring 5+ years of hands-on experience designing combustion devices for use in propulsion or similarly complex environments.
Demonstrate expertise in design and analysis of airbreathing combustors, igniters, and fuel system components.
Show proficiency in CAD solid body and surface modeling (Siemens NX), engineering drawings, and GD&T practices.
Apply a strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behavior in high-temperature systems.
Offer hands-on prototype assembly and test stand experience to validate designs in laboratory conditions.
Use data acquisition and instrumentation selection to analyze stability and performance in elevated temperature environments.
Apply knowledge of high-temperature materials, coatings, and joining methods relevant to combustion hardware.
Execute root-cause analysis of hardware failures to guide design corrections and prevent recurrence.
Take initiative for continuous improvement beyond assigned tasks in a setting that is not slow to change.
Work flexibly in a setting that is not slow to change while maintaining attention to detail and high quality standards.
Practical notes
Team expects in-office work five days a week as essential for collaboration and culture. authorization to work, and roles may require U.S. citizenship and government-related clearance. Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role centers on propulsion hardware such as combustors, igniters, and fuel systems. Core tools include Siemens NX for CAD design and analysis-driven workflows. Success depends on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behavior knowledge in high-temperature conditions.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.
About the company
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.