Principal Propulsion Engineer
Direct Hire
Location: Onsite
We are seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced gas turbine engine programs. This senior technical role will serve as a subject matter expert, driving complex projects from concept through validation while ensuring engineering integrity, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.
You’ll collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging problems, mentor engineers, and advance the organization’s propulsion technology portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead propulsion system development initiatives from concept through qualification and production.
- Conduct trade studies and design evaluations to guide engineering decision-making.
- Perform detailed turbomachinery design and analysis, including aerodynamic and structural evaluations.
- Develop engineering documentation such as drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
- Provide technical direction, oversight, and mentorship to engineering team members.
- Create and execute propulsion test plans, including validation and performance optimization.
- Contribute to the organization’s New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and long-term technology roadmap.
- Requirements and Work Environment
- U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of programs supported.
- Minimal travel (<15%) for customer, supplier, or test site visits.
- Work performed primarily in office and engineering lab settings, with periodic exposure to manufacturing and test environments.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in gas turbine or turbomachinery design and development.
- Demonstrated success leading propulsion or turbomachinery projects from concept through testing.
- Strong proficiency in CAD and engineering analysis tools (FEA, CFD).
- Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, structural design, and materials science.
- Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing techniques (brazing, welding, additive manufacturing, machining, casting, forging).
- Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME standards).
- Skilled in standard engineering communication and presentation tools.
- Collaborative, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing propulsion systems for aerospace or high-performance industrial applications.
- Knowledge of advanced materials used in turbine engines.
- Familiarity with PTC Windchill, Creo, and ANSYS (Mechanical, Fluent, or CFX).
- Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles for scalable production.
