Propulsion Test Engineer

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mach Industries is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to support the calibration and testing of advanced small engine systems for the next generation of airborne defense platforms. As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our propulsion systems, helping to maintain the United States’ strategic edge in modern warfare. Your expertise will drive the development and validation of high-performance engines that power autonomous defense platforms.

About Mach Propulsion
Mach Propulsion is redefining the small turbine engine—designing for high-rate production, scalability, modularity, and adaptability to help the United States maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. This is a chance to shape a new kind of propulsion company, one built around modern, automated manufacturing to deliver capable engines at meaningful volumes. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create high-performance, manufacturable systems that meet demanding mission requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop test systems and infrastructure including test cells and instrumentation packages.

• Develop control systems for test cells maintaining high accuracy and quality of data reported.

• Develop and execute verification and validation test plans of engines and related systems.

• Assist in assembly, integration, and testing activities for first articles and first flight assets.

• Collaborate with propulsion design, systems integration, and manufacturing teams to ensure test results inform system optimization.

• Analyze test data to validate engine performance, identify anomalies, and recommend improvements.

• Support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges as needed to meet project milestones.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on engine systems, drivetrain, or complex mechanical systems, emphasis on test preferred. 5 years in related aerospace experience without degree.

• Multi-talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.

• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and experience with engineering analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD).

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems.

• Willing to support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience testing small turbine engines or propulsion systems for aerospace or defense applications.

• Familiarity with test cell design, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for propulsion testing.

• Knowledge of flight test campaigns and aerospace validation processes.

• Experience with control systems development for high-precision testing environments.

• Understanding of defense industry standards for propulsion system testing and certification.

Benefits at Mach Industries

At Mach Industries, we are committed to supporting the well-being and success of our team members. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to offer financial security and foster personal and professional growth. Here’s an overview of the benefits available to full-time employees:

Competitive Compensation Package
The salary range for this position is an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including experience, education, skills, and business considerations. The actual salary offered may vary. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees may receive equity grants, which are considered part of Mach Industries’ total compensation package.

Healthcare & Wellness Benefits

• Platinum Healthcare Coverage: For U.S. employees, Mach Industries provides platinum-level coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee, with 90% of coverage for dependents.

Generous Time Off & Leave Policies

• Holiday Calendar: We offer a generous holiday schedule including 13 holidays.

• Holiday Shutdown: An additional 10 days off at the end of December.

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Policies

Company-Provided Meals

• Daily Meals & Snacks: Daily catered lunches, fully stocked kitchens with snacks, drinks, a coffee bar, and more!

Retirement & Financial Security

• 401(k) Plan (U.S. Only): We offer a company 401k with a 5% match to provide for your financial future.

Relocation Assistance
We offer relocation support for eligible positions, ensuring a smooth transition for team members moving for work.

At Mach Industries, we are committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and personal growth. We want to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to thrive both inside and outside of work.

Why Mach Industries?

At Mach Industries, we are pioneering the future of defense through scalable, decentralized technologies. You’ll be part of a small, dynamic team tackling some of the hardest engineering problems in modern warfare. Your work will directly contribute to validating propulsion systems that power the next generation of autonomous platforms, ensuring global stability and preparedness through innovative, manufacturable designs.

Join us in shaping the future of warfare and securing the American way of life.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!