Senior Mechanical Engineer - Propulsion Systems and Integration
$140k - $180k+ Performance-based bonus + Stock options/equity
Senior
Bachelor's
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
In Person
Aerospace EngineeringPropulsion
No H1B Sponsorship
About the job
Requirements
- At least 5 years of experience in mechanical, aerospace, or propulsion engineering, including significant experience developing and integrating complex mechanical systems in a fast-paced environment.
- A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong skills in 3D modeling and computer-aided design tools such as NX or SolidWorks for mechanical design and iteration, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
- Strong understanding of propulsion mechanical systems, including some combination of engines, fuel systems, tanks, pumps, valves, regulators, plumbing, mounts, and associated support hardware.
- Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Responsibilities
- Own mechanical integration of propulsion systems from early architecture and concept development through prototype, test, qualification, and production.
- Develop and maintain propulsion mechanical interfaces, including engines, tanks, pumps, valves, regulators, plumbing, actuators, mounts, supports, and vehicle structure.
- Define propulsion system packaging and installation architectures, balancing performance, mass, center of gravity, volume, thermal environment, accessibility, and manufacturability.
- Translate engine- and vehicle-level requirements into feed system requirements, interface documentation, and hardware.
- Perform first-order sizing and engineering analysis of mounts, brackets, plumbing supports, tanks, interfaces, and other propulsion hardware.
- Develop and manage propulsion mechanical interface requirements, interface control documents, interface drawings, layouts, and configuration-controlled design data.
- Design and release mechanical hardware, including flight hardware, prototypes, test fixtures, and ground support equipment, using 3D computer-aided design, drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and appropriate engineering standards.
- Analyze and resolve propulsion-induced loads, vibration, thermal expansion, pressure loads, shock, and other dynamic environments at mechanical interfaces.
- Design and support installation, removal, servicing, inspection, and testing of propulsion systems.
- Support propulsion and vehicle-level testing, including test planning, hardware readiness, instrumentation, anomaly resolution, and post-test assessment.
- Author technical documentation, test plans, interface documentation, trade studies, and engineering milestones for cross-functional and leadership review.
Desired Qualifications
- An advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Propulsion, or a related field.
- Experience with structural analysis, finite element analysis, Thermal Desktop, or other analytical tools used to evaluate propulsion interfaces and hardware.
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ for analytical modeling, simulation, and engineering problem-solving.
- Direct experience designing or integrating engine mounts, fuel tanks, pressure vessels, fluid lines, valves, pumps, regulators, manifolds, and related hardware.
- Familiarity with slosh dynamics and mitigation systems, including baffles, foam, and bladders.
About the company
Mach Industries designs and builds unmanned military systems, including VTOL drones, long-range strike weapons, and counter-UAS, along with propulsion and energetics. Its products integrate flight hardware, powerplants, and munitions into compact, mission-ready systems with a focus on in-house manufacturing to lower costs. It differentiates itself through vertical integration, owning propulsion and energetic components, and expanding via the Exquadrum acquisition to ease munitions bottlenecks while maintaining a large California manufacturing footprint. Its goal is to scale manufacturing capacity and accelerate programs to meet defense contracts, supported by large funding rounds to grow production and operations.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series C
Total Funding
$1.1B
Headquarters
Huntington Beach, California
Founded
2022
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 investors added $600 million, backing Mach's scale-up after June's $300 million round.
- June 2026 production and DIU wins validated demand from the Navy, Army, and allies.
- Mach's Viper demo to Lithuania and Estonia broadened NATO interest beyond U.S. procurement.
What critics are saying
- Brian Harley sued Mach in California Central Court in February 2026; hearings resumed September.
- Mach's September 2026 $3.7 billion valuation dwarfs its still-early production and contracts.
- A manufacturing or certification failure would stall Atlas, Viper, and Energetics revenue.
What makes Mach Industries unique
- Ethan Thornton vertically integrates airframes, propulsion, and energetics under one 2023 company.
- June 2026 DIU awarded Mach the Navy's runway-independent strike aircraft integrator role.
- May 2026 Exquadrum acquisition gives Mach in-house solid-rocket-motor supply and sales.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Budget
- Meal Benefits