Principal Jet Propulsion Engineer

Principal Jet Propulsion Engineer

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• 15+ years of experience in jet propulsion, gas turbines, or similar aircraft propulsion domains
• Deep knowledge of thermodynamic cycle analysis, thrust modeling, fuel consumption, and engine performance under various flight regimes
• Proficiency with simulation tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Thermal Desktop
• Demonstrated experience integrating jet propulsion systems into aircraft (manned or unmanned)
• Strong familiarity with combustion dynamics, turbine hardware, engine controls, and system-level packaging constraints
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills and ability to influence engineering strategy at the platform level

Responsibilities

• Own the technical strategy for jet propulsion system architecture, including engine selection, mounting, thrust requirements, and endurance modeling
• Perform detailed cycle analysis, performance trade studies, and thermal evaluations using tools such as NPSS, MATLAB/Simulink, and Thermal Desktop
• Lead integration of jet propulsion systems with fuel, thermal, mechanical, and avionics teams, ensuring coherent system-level performance
• Guide all phases of propulsion development: requirements definition, supplier evaluation, integration strategy, and test/validation planning
• Author propulsion-related documentation including FMEAs, hazard analyses, and interface control documents
• Serve as the subject matter expert for jet propulsion across vehicle programs, providing insight on both short-term configuration and long-term propulsion scalability
• Engage with engine manufacturers and external vendors to evaluate system capabilities and manage technical risk
• Collaborate with flight test and data teams to correlate modeling assumptions with real-world performance
• Represent the propulsion system in high-level design reviews and program-level decision-making
• Mentor a cross-functional team of propulsion, fuel, and fluids engineers across platform workstreams

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Aerospace Propulsion or Turbomachinery
• Prior experience on UAVs, military aircraft, or advanced R&D propulsion programs
• Familiarity with DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or other aerospace propulsion standards
• Hands-on experience with engine ground/flight test campaigns
• Prior engagement with FADEC systems, embedded control loops, or hybrid propulsion architectures
• Active or previous DoD clearance (not required)