Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)
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Anduril · Costa Mesa, CAPrepare for this interview
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About the role
The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms . Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.
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.
- REQUIRED 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.
Requirements
- Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB, IADs.
- Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
- Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade-offs.
- Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.
- Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
- Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
- US Salary Range
- $253,000 - $336,000 USD
Benefits
Additional Information
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
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