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Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

Anduril· Air Dominance & Strike : Air Dominance & Strike Hardware : Mechanical Systems
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Costa Mesa, CA$253k - $336kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Lead or senior propulsion engineer responsible for selection, integration, and optimization of aircraft engines and related systems for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms, including concept generation, integration, flight test, and supplier management.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
  • Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems.
  • Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
  • Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.
  • Travel to test sites as needed.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
  • Professional experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
  • Mastery of engine cycle decks and thermodynamic modeling; ability to influence engine OEM design decisions to match vehicle requirements.
  • Served as the Chief Engineer or ultimate technical authority on a major propulsion program, defining technology roadmaps and architectural baselines.
  • Experience identifying and selecting strategic propulsion suppliers, managing critical OEM relationships, and establishing qualified supply chains.
  • Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs (including static / ground off wing testing, qualification, acceptance, flight-test readiness) and troubleshooting system level anomalies.
  • Experience advising executive leadership on technical risks, representing the company to key customers / government agencies, and mentoring mid-to-senior level engineers.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Skills

Required:Propulsion system integrationThermodynamic modelingTechnical leadershipSupplier and OEM relationship managementPropulsion test planning and execution

Benefits

  • Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including health coverage and related support.
  • Equity grants included in the majority of full-time offers; part of total compensation package.
Last updated Sep 2, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Anduril

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