Propulsion Engineering Lead - Own Propulsion Architecture and Integration for Advanced Fixed-Wing UAS!

Fort Worth, TX | Onsite

Opportunity Summary

Join a growing aerospace organization developing advanced fixed-wing unmanned aircraft for demanding government and commercial missions. This team is focused on delivering aircraft that are scalable in production, reliable in the field, and engineered with performance and manufacturability in mind from day one. We are seeking a senior Propulsion Engineering Lead to serve as the technical authority for propulsion system selection, integration, and lifecycle performance across multiple UAS platforms. This role owns propulsion architecture decisions spanning piston, electric, and jet configurations and ensures systems are optimized for endurance, reliability, maintainability, and production scalability. If you are driven by full system ownership and want to influence aircraft performance from first principles through flight validation, this is a high-impact leadership role.

About Us

We are a U.S.-based developer and manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems engineered for mission-ready deployment and scalable production. Our platforms are designed to transition efficiently from concept to operational use, balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability. We work in fast-paced, high-accountability environments where engineering credibility and disciplined execution are critical.

Job Duties

Propulsion Architecture and Trade Studies

• Own propulsion system architecture decisions across fixed-wing platforms including piston engines, electric motor systems, and small turbine or jet propulsion
• Conduct trade studies evaluating endurance, thrust performance, thermal management, acoustic profile, reliability, and cost
• Define propulsion design margins and integration standards to support operational robustness and scalable manufacturing

Piston and Electric Propulsion Integration

• Lead integration of internal combustion engines and electric motors with propeller systems
• Oversee mount design, vibration isolation, cooling airflow, exhaust routing, propeller selection, electrical generation, and battery interfaces
• Ensure compatibility with airframe structures, avionics systems, and mission equipment
• Validate performance and reliability across environmental and operational conditions

Jet and Turbine System Integration

• Lead integration of small turbine or jet systems including inlet and exhaust design, fuel systems, thrust alignment, thermal shielding, and structural load paths
• Coordinate closely with structures and airframe teams to manage thrust loads and installation margins
• Address signature management and safe operation across the full flight envelope

Testing and Performance Validation

• Define and execute propulsion ground testing including thrust measurement, endurance cycles, thermal validation, vibration analysis, and failure mode assessment
• Support flight test campaigns and lead corrective actions tied to propulsion anomalies
• Ensure test results drive configuration improvements and increased design maturity

Production Readiness and Sustainment

• Drive propulsion system maturity from prototype through LRIP and production configurations
• Ensure installations are producible, maintainable, and supported by complete documentation
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to enable supplier qualification and rate increases
• Support field sustainment planning and long-term reliability strategies

Technical Leadership and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Mentor propulsion and integration engineers across programs
• Serve as the primary propulsion technical interface to vendors, internal teams, and program leadership
• Lead propulsion discussions during design reviews, root cause investigations, and customer engagements
• Translate mission requirements into reliable and scalable propulsion solutions

Qualifications

• 10+ years of propulsion engineering experience including direct experience on unmanned aircraft systems
• Demonstrated integration experience with piston and propeller systems, electric propulsion architectures, and jet or turbine systems on fixed-wing aircraft
• Proven ownership of propulsion development through design, test, and production transition
• Strong understanding of propulsion performance modeling, vibration management, thermal systems, and structural integration
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Ability to travel up to 15% to support testing, production coordination, and customer engagement

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with fuel systems, FADEC, battery management systems, or hybrid propulsion architectures
• Familiarity with airworthiness standards and reliability analysis methods
• Experience supporting propulsion systems through flight test and operational deployment
• Background working in rapid iteration or production scaling environments

Why Join Us

• Opportunity for growth within a scaling aerospace program
• Full ownership of propulsion architecture across multiple aircraft platforms
• Exposure to concept development, flight validation, and production transition
• Collaborative engineering culture focused on disciplined execution
• Strong PTO policy
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan with matching

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000

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