Propulsion Design Engineer

About the role

This role owns the end-to-end design, analysis, and validation of propulsion systems for high-speed vehicles. The work directly shapes the Duality engine configuration and performance. Success depends on first-principles reasoning and a test-like-you-fly mindset.

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

Design trade studies are conducted to evaluate system-level impacts on propulsion hardware. Detailed designs and structural, thermal, and fluid analyses are completed to define a robust baseline. Design reviews are presented to stakeholders, and feedback is solicited to refine solutions. Prototypes are assembled, complementary tooling is designed, and work instructions are established to guide production. Hardware tests are run, and data are analyzed to verify that requirements and performance metrics are met. Hardware problems are diagnosed quickly, and corrective actions are determined to restore function.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, including propulsion systems, is required for this role. Solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling in Siemens NX must be used to communicate designs and decisions. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision measurement, and GD&T is necessary to ensure parts are built correctly. Understanding of propulsion systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery is required to model performance and failure modes. Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, and power electronics is needed to integrate sensors and controls. Initiative for continuous improvement is taken to evolve processes beyond assigned tasks. Flexibility to operate in a fast-paced environment is required to meet aggressive timelines. Attention to detail is maintained to uphold a high level of quality in all work.

Practical notes

The role expects in-office work five days a week to support collaboration and culture. This position is located in San Francisco and is eligible for the listed benefits and compensation. 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

Propulsion design relies on analysis tools for thermal, structural, and fluid behavior. Teams move quickly using flat structures and first-principles reasoning. Data acquisition and instrumentation guide hardware decisions. General aerospace knowledge helps connect component tests to system flight conditions.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

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.