Lead Turbomachinery Engineer – Build the Future of High-Performance Propulsion Systems!

Oakland, CA | Onsite

Opportunity Summary

A stealth-stage defense and propulsion technology company in the Bay Area is pioneering the next generation of power and propulsion systems designed to transform aerial mobility and counter-UAS performance. Backed by strong investors and led by an accomplished founding team from the aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors, the company is reimagining how complex systems are designed, built, and scaled. We are seeking a Lead Turbomachinery Engineer to own the design, development, and validation of rotating machinery that forms the backbone of our propulsion architecture. This is a hands-on, high-impact position ideal for an engineer who thrives on solving multidisciplinary challenges and wants to build something that defines the future of defense technology.

About Us

We design propulsion systems for speed, scale, and reliability, combining precision manufacturing, intelligent automation, and rapid iteration to accelerate innovation from prototype to production. Our engineers work across the entire stack — from concept design and simulation to process code and physical validation — ensuring that every component we create can be built, tested, and scaled efficiently.

Job Duties

• Lead the end-to-end design and analysis of turbomachinery subsystems, including compressors, turbines, pumps, and rotating assemblies.
• Drive the full engine development cycle, from concept and simulation through hardware build, testing, and validation.
• Develop and refine 3D geometry and CAD models for critical propulsion components, ensuring manufacturability and performance at scale.
• Conduct aerodynamic, thermodynamic, and rotor dynamic analyses to evaluate efficiency, stability, and thrust-to-weight performance.
• Specify or design bearing systems, materials, and balancing approaches to optimize performance and durability.
• Collaborate closely with combustion, controls, and mechanical system engineers to ensure integrated, high-efficiency designs.
• Guide the development of test hardware, fixtures, and methodologies, ensuring accurate performance validation and safe operation.
• Lead iteration cycles between design and manufacturing, applying DFMA principles to accelerate development timelines.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, helping grow a world-class engineering team focused on innovation and delivery.
• Contribute to future propulsion architectures, including hybrid systems and new thermodynamic cycles that push performance boundaries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in turbomachinery, gas turbine, or high-speed rotating machinery design.
• Hands-on experience in compressible flow, thermodynamics, rotor dynamics, and mechanical systems design.
• Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools such as NX, SolidWorks, ANSYS, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or Concepts NREC.
• Demonstrated understanding of materials, alloys, and advanced manufacturing methods applicable to high-performance turbomachinery.
• Experience designing, testing, or optimizing air-breathing propulsion systems, jet engines, or power-dense rotating assemblies.
• Ability to perform aero-thermal analysis and validate performance through simulation and experiment.

Preferred Experience

• Prior work with jet turbines, UAS propulsion systems, or other air-breathing platforms.
• Experience with cold and hot gassing of experimental turbomachinery.
• Familiarity with Turbine Cycle Analysis (NPSS) or other system modeling environments.
• Proficiency in rotordynamic and structural modeling using tools like AxStream, FINE/Turbo, or ANSYS Mechanical.
• Experience designing or operating turbomachinery test rigs, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Background in startup or R&D environments where hands-on iteration, rapid prototyping, and collaboration are key to success.
• Proven record of bringing complex mechanical assemblies from concept to test and validation under aggressive timelines.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a founding engineering team shaping the next era of propulsion technology.
• Work directly on systems that redefine performance, manufacturability, and scalability in defense and aerospace.
• Join a company that values technical creativity, ownership, and fast iteration cycles.
• Competitive compensation package with strong equity participation.
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment with room for growth and technical leadership.

Compensation Details

$200,000 - $280,000

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