Propulsion Engineering Lead - UAS Platform

Propulsion Engineering Lead - Own Propulsion Architecture and Integration for Advanced Fixed-Wing UAS!Fort Worth, TX | OnsiteOpportunity SummaryJoin 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 UsWe 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 DutiesPropulsion Architecture and Trade StudiesOwn propulsion system architecture decisions across fixed-wing platforms including piston engines, electric motor systems, and small turbine or jet propulsionConduct trade studies evaluating endurance, thrust performance, thermal management, acoustic profile, reliability, and costDefine propulsion design margins and integration standards to support operational robustness and scalable manufacturingPiston and Electric Propulsion IntegrationLead integration of internal combustion engines and electric motors with propeller systemsOversee mount design, vibration isolation, cooling airflow, exhaust routing, propeller selection, electrical generation, and battery interfacesEnsure compatibility with airframe structures, avionics systems, and mission equipmentValidate performance and reliability across environmental and operational conditionsJet and Turbine System IntegrationLead integration of small turbine or jet systems including inlet and exhaust design, fuel systems, thrust alignment, thermal shielding, and structural load pathsCoordinate closely with structures and airframe teams to manage thrust loads and installation marginsAddress signature management and safe operation across the full flight envelopeTesting and Performance ValidationDefine and execute propulsion ground testing including thrust measurement, endurance cycles, thermal validation, vibration analysis, and failure mode assessmentSupport flight test campaigns and lead corrective actions tied to propulsion anomaliesEnsure test results drive configuration improvements and increased design maturityProduction Readiness and SustainmentDrive propulsion system maturity from prototype through LRIP and production configurationsEnsure installations are producible, maintainable, and supported by complete documentationPartner with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to enable supplier qualification and rate increasesSupport field sustainment planning and long-term reliability strategiesTechnical Leadership and Cross-Functional CoordinationMentor propulsion and integration engineers across programsServe as the primary propulsion technical interface to vendors, internal teams, and program leadershipLead propulsion discussions during design reviews, root cause investigations, and customer engagementsTranslate mission requirements into reliable and scalable propulsion solutionsQualifications10+ years of propulsion engineering experience including direct experience on unmanned aircraft systemsDemonstrated integration experience with piston and propeller systems, electric propulsion architectures, and jet or turbine systems on fixed-wing aircraftProven ownership of propulsion development through design, test, and production transitionStrong understanding of propulsion performance modeling, vibration management, thermal systems, and structural integrationBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical disciplineAbility to travel up to 15% to support testing, production coordination, and customer engagementPreferred ExperienceMaster's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical EngineeringExperience with fuel systems, FADEC, battery management systems, or hybrid propulsion architecturesFamiliarity with airworthiness standards and reliability analysis methodsExperience supporting propulsion systems through flight test and operational deploymentBackground working in rapid iteration or production scaling environmentsWhy Join UsOpportunity for growth within a scaling aerospace programFull ownership of propulsion architecture across multiple aircraft platformsExposure to concept development, flight validation, and production transitionCollaborative engineering culture focused on disciplined executionStrong PTO policyMedical, dental, and vision benefits401(k) plan with matchingCompensation Details