Structural Engineer

About the role

Mach Industries is seeking a structural analyst to support the Mach Propulsion team in developing high-performance turbine engines. You will manage the structural integrity of engine components, including rotors, casings, and shafts, while collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to move from concept to testing in a matter of weeks. In this capacity, you will own the analytical backbone that ensures our propulsion systems can withstand the extreme environments of high-speed operation. You will be responsible for translating complex aerodynamic and thermal loads into robust structural designs that meet rigorous safety and performance standards. Your work will directly influence the feasibility of innovative engine architectures by validating that parts can endure mechanical stresses over their intended lifecycle. You will act as a technical leader in the propulsion group, guiding less experienced engineers through complex analysis challenges and ensuring clarity in technical communication. Ultimately, your contributions will determine whether critical engine hardware advances from initial concept to physical verification and flight-worthiness.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Evaluate rotating and stationary engine parts for stress, fatigue, and operational life using advanced analytical methods.
• Build custom analytical tools and automated simulation workflows to increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time for design iterations.
• Partner with aerodynamic and mechanical designers to refine component geometry and resolve potential structural conflicts early in development.
• Define drawing requirements and tolerance specifications to ensure manufacturability and compliance with engineering standards.
• Design and document test procedures to validate component durability under simulated operational conditions.
• Interpret test data to correlate analytical predictions with physical results and drive design improvements.
• Present structural findings and technical insights to the broader engineering group to support informed decision-making.
• Conduct detailed structural analyses for a wide range of engine hardware, including cases where specific solutions are not predefined.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate structural considerations into the overall product development lifecycle.
• Support the creation of system-level models that capture interactions between propulsion components and airframe interfaces.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry practices and regulatory requirements relevant to aerospace propulsion systems.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in analysis, documentation, and knowledge transfer within the propulsion team.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline as the foundational requirement for this technical role.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional engineering experience in a role that involved structural analysis or related fields.
• Strong grasp of rotor-dynamics and structural mechanics to assess the behavior of high-speed rotating components.
• Practical experience using Finite Element Analysis for heat transfer, vibration, and static structural assessments in demanding environments.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR/EAR regulations to access controlled technologies and participate in sensitive projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple analytical tasks in a fast-paced engineering setting.
• Proven capability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and related technical documentation.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism in all analytical work.

Nice to have

• Background in turbo-machinery hardware to provide context for how components perform in real-world applications.
• Technical proficiency in NX and Teamcenter to streamline design iterations and manage engineering data effectively.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and foster scientific thinking to build a stronger analytical culture within the team.
• A builder mindset focused on innovation rather than maintenance, driving new solutions that improve performance and reliability.

Skills & tools

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate complex loading conditions and predict structural responses.
• Rotor-dynamics expertise for analyzing high-speed machinery and ensuring stable operation.
• Structural mechanics knowledge to evaluate load paths, deformations, and failure modes.
• NX as a primary CAD tool for creating and modifying detailed component geometry.
• Teamcenter for managing engineering data, revisions, and collaboration across project teams.

Practical notes

This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Employment offers are contingent upon your ability to access this information without the need for an export license. Mach participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. The company provides health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. You will work on-site in San Luis Obispo, California, where consistent presence is required for collaboration and testing coordination. This role is a full-time engagement with expectations for reliable attendance and participation in team meetings and reviews. The position is not eligible for remote work arrangements due to the nature of the work and security requirements. Applicants must be able to start in a timely manner to align with project timelines, as propulsion development schedules are tightly coordinated. Travel is generally not expected for this role, but occasional visits to test facilities may be required to oversee validation activities and interact with manufacturing partners.