Senior Propulsion Engineer, Combustion

Department: Propulsion

Location: San Francisco

Compensation: $150K – $225K

Employment Type: FullTime

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are a Senior Propulsion Engineer experienced in designing the combustion devices within propulsion systems. You come from a background working in ground power, aviation, automotive, or rocketry. You approach your work from a robust set of first principles which enable you to work methodically through challenging technical problems with feedback from test verification.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead conceptual trades for novel combustors while considering system-level impacts

• Complete detailed designs with supporting structural, thermal, and fluid analyses

• Implement advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve performance and reliability at scale

• Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, and establish work instructions

• Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics

• Understand empirical trends and iterate quickly through component-level and integrated testing

• Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years hands-on experience designing combustion devices for use in propulsion or similarly complex environments

• Expertise in design and analysis of airbreathing combustors, igniters, and fuel systems

• Proficient in CAD solid body and surface modeling (Siemens NX), engineering drawings, and GD&T

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behavior

• Hands-on prototype assembly and test stand experience

• Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation selection for analyzing stability and performance in elevated temperate environments

• Understanding and familiarity with high-temperature materials, coatings, and joining methods relevant to combustion

• Experience with root-cause analysis of hardware failures

• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment

• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.