Full-Time

Mechanical Systems Engineer

Gearbox

Updated on 9/3/2026

Astro Mechanica

Astro Mechanica

51-200 employees

Designs and sells high-efficiency jet engines

Compensation Overview

$150k - $225k/yr

+ Stock options

San Francisco, CA, USA

In Person

Five days in the office per week are essential.

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)

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Requirements
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience with transmission design and/or testing in automotive, aerospace, or power generation applications.
  • Foundational knowledge of rotordynamics, fatigue effects, lubrication systems, and transmission failure modes.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, data reduction, and anchoring analysis with experimental results.
Responsibilities
  • Architect high-performance, high-speed geartrain systems while considering high-speed rotordynamic effects, lubrication, and highly integrated interfaces.
  • Perform gear design calculations using AGMA and ISO standards, including load capacity, contact stress, and bending fatigue.
  • Conduct dynamic analysis of rotating systems, including vibration, critical speed, and noise, vibration, harshness, using KissSoft, Simcenter, SMT MASTA, and Ansys.
  • Design and analyze custom shaft, bearing, housing, and lubrication system hardware, and establish subsystem testing to validate component performance.
  • Specify qualification testing and analyze test data for hardware behavior and performance characterization.
  • Improve and maintain the accuracy of simulation models by anchoring them to historical and internally generated test data.
  • Define instrumentation placement with an understanding of measurement limitations.
  • Diagnose hardware and software problems efficiently and perform corrective actions.
Desired Qualifications
  • Take initiative for continuous improvement rather than only completing assigned tasks.
  • Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and high-growth environment.
  • Maintain a high level of attention to detail and quality in all work.

Astro Mechanica designs, develops, and sells highly efficient jet engines for commercial airlines, private jets, and military clients. Its engines convert fuel into thrust through advanced propulsion with emphasis on engine-airframe integration and long-term maintenance contracts to sustain high efficiency. It differentiates itself with a flat, collaborative engineering culture and a focus on delivering the world's most efficient jet engine alongside ongoing service agreements, rather than relying mainly on upfront sales. Its goal is to make air travel faster, farther, and more efficient, redefining how time and space are experienced in aviation.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$130K

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2021

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Astro Mechanica announced August 21, 2026 discussions with United for engine acquisition rights.
  • The company raised $27.1 million in April 2025, funding engineering, testing, and airframe work.
  • Hiring stayed active in August 2026, with roughly twenty open roles across San Francisco.

What critics are saying

  • Supersonic economics still rely on unproven fuel burn, certification, and maintenance assumptions.
  • United’s August 2026 talks cover coming-off-wing engines, not a purchase order or fleet commitment.
  • Certification failure or a major test loss ends the company before commercial service.

What makes Astro Mechanica unique

  • Duality’s hybrid-electric cycle targets turbofan, turbojet, and ramjet operation from takeoff to Mach 3+.
  • Helix’s 900kW motors power Astro Mechanica’s fifth-generation propulsion system announced in 2026.
  • United Airlines Ventures and a16z back vertical integration across engines, airframes, and systems.

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Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

Flexible work environment

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

-5%

2 year growth

-15%
The Engineer
Dec 1st, 2025
UK's Helix powers supersonic startup Astro Mechanica

UK's Helix powers supersonic startup Astro Mechanica. UK motor manufacturer Helix is partnering with California startup Astro Mechanica to provide electric motors for the latter's supersonic engine. Astro Mechanica's Duality engine is a hybrid propulsion unit designed to improve the fuel efficiency of supersonic flight. A turbogenerator uses a gas turbine to generate electricity via two motors, which power the four Helix SPX242-94 motors in the propulsors that control the fan and compressor. According to Helix, this layout allows the engine to operate like a turbofan at subsonic speeds and a turbojet at lower supersonic speeds, transitioning to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds. Combined with Astro Mechanica's advanced airframe design, the Duality engine is claimed to be capable of producing speeds in excess of Mach 3, with the platform's fuel efficiency set to enable transpacific supersonic travel for the first time. "We are incredibly proud that our electric motors are powering Duality given its potential to reshape aviation and aerospace," said Derek Jordanou-Bailey, Aerospace chief engineer at Helix. "For decades, Helix has worked at the very cutting-edge of electric powertrain technology and are now a critical enabler in electrification journey of many high-performance sectors. Astro Mechanica's engine shows that our unrivalled power density stands to completely transform the engineering and economics of whole industries." The four Helix SPX242-94 radial flux motors that currently power Astro Mechanica's fourth-generation prototype are capable of 400kW of peak power with a maximum torque of 470Nm. On a continuous basis, they can output 300kW of power and 286Nm of torque. Helix is also designing custom motors for the fifth-generation propulsion system. The new motors are expected to output 900kW of continuous power in either generator or propulsion modes. Peak power is 950kW operating at up to 20,000rpm with a maximum torque capability of 575Nm. The new motor isolation system is also designed for extreme-altitude operation.

FinSMEs
Sep 1st, 2025
Astromech: Ben Lamm, George Church's $30M AI Venture

Ben Lamm and Harvard's George Church have launched Astromech, an AI company, raising $30 million, as per SEC filings. This venture builds on their collaboration at Colossal Biosciences. Lamm's history of securing capital is evident, with Colossal raising over $225 million. Astromech's funding positions it among well-capitalized early AI entrants, reflecting Lamm's knack for attracting investment in ambitious science and technology ventures.

Assembly Magazine
Aug 21st, 2025
United Airlines Ventures Backs Astro Mechanica's Supersonic Engine Design

CHICAGO - United Airlines Ventures (UAV), the venture capital arm of United Airlines, has invested in Astro Mechanica, an aerospace startup developing advanced propulsion and airframe technologies aimed at making supersonic flight economically viable.

Associated Press
Aug 20th, 2025
United Airlines Ventures Invests in Astro Mechanica

United Airlines Ventures (UAV) has invested in aerospace startup Astro Mechanica, which is developing an adaptive propulsion system for supersonic flight. Astro Mechanica's Duality™ engine uses a hybrid electric architecture to optimize performance across various speeds, aiming for efficient transpacific supersonic travel. Initially targeting military applications, the technology will later be adapted for commercial use. UAV, established in 2021, focuses on innovative aviation technologies.

Alumni Ventures
Oct 15th, 2024
Astro Mechanica Revolutionizes Air and Space Travel

Alumni Ventures has invested in Astro Mechanica, which is testing engines for future trans-Pacific flight demonstrations. The company's propulsion system also offers a cost-effective solution for space travel by potentially replacing the first stage of traditional rockets. This dual-purpose technology positions Astro Mechanica as a significant player in both aviation and space industries. AV Senior Associate Drew Wandzilak highlighted the system's potential to reduce costs and increase speed as transformative.