Senior Rotordynamics Engineer

Department: Propulsion

Location: San Francisco

Compensation: $150K – $225K

Employment Type: FullTime

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

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:

Astro Mechanica is looking for a Senior Rotordynamics Engineer with the knowledge and skill to refine the development of our terrestrial and aviation turbomachinery through your understanding of the detailed physical processes that happen within them. Your experience may be rooted in ground-power, aviation, or space-based applications. You understand the physical behavior of rotating systems as deeply on paper as you do at the test stand, and you’ve built the analytical models to prove it.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead rotordynamic analysis of turbomachinery systems, including critical speed prediction, stability margins, imbalance response, torsional analysis, modal analysis, and Campbell diagram development

• Bearing selection, preload definition, stiffness and damping trade studies, thermal management and lubrication system

• Define and execute test campaigns instrumented specifically for rotordynamic validation

• Develop and iterate computational models (StarCCM+, AxSTREAM) with rotordynamic constraints in mind

• Utilize propulsion cycle models (GasTurb, NPSS) to assess how compressor maps and mechanical behavior interact under dynamic loading conditions

• Define GD&T for rotating assemblies through tolerance analysis, considering the effects on rotor balance, seal clearances, and dynamic behavior

• Partner with manufacturing to ensure production of high-precision rotating components with balance grades, runout tolerances, and assembly sequence in mind

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years in turbomachinery design with demonstrated rotordynamic analysis and mechanical packaging ownership on real hardware

• Hands-on experience with rotordynamic modelling tools (DyRoBes or equivalent)

• Experience with blade and compressor geometry development using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods (StarCCM+, AxStream)

• Experience with test instrumentation and data reduction specifically for mechanical validation (vibration, whirl, and rotor response)

• Experience with propulsion cycle tools (GasTurb, NPSS) and how compressor mechanical behavior couples to cycle performance

• Proficient in CAD for rotating assemblies (Siemens NX) and multiphysics analysis

• Experience with scripting for analysis automation and post-processing (Python, MATLAB)

• Effective communicator capable of leading cross-functional design reviews and contributing to system architecture discussions

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.