Senior Engineer Advanced Engine Architecture

External Job Description

About POWERTECH

POWERTECH is a center of excellence for propulsion technologies, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of combustion engines, expendable turbojet engines, and turbofan engines for a wide range of aerospace, defence, and autonomous applications, including fixed- and rotary-wing UAVs and other advanced platforms.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior propulsion engineer to contribute to the end-to-end development of advanced propulsion systems, with a strong emphasis on experimental architectures, UAV propulsion, and rapid prototyping. This role is responsible for developing propulsion systems from first-principles concept through design, integration, testing, and field deployment, including turbojet engines, hybrid-electric systems, and hydrogen-based powertrains. 

Key Responsibilities

🔹 System Architecture & Ownership

• Own complete propulsion system architectures from concept, trade studies, and sizing through prototyping, testing, and deployment
• Lead development of turbojet, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for UAV and AAM platforms
• Define system-level requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies across mechanical, electrical, and control domains

🔹 Design, Integration & Prototyping

• Lead hands-on development of propulsion hardware including:
• Jet engines and auxiliary systems
• Electrical power systems and hybrid architectures
• Fuel systems and thermal management solutions
• Drive rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles, leveraging:
• Conventional manufacturing
• Additive manufacturing
• Composite structures

🔹 Testing & Validation

• Define and execute ground and flight test campaigns
• Develop test rigs, instrumentation, and validation methodologies
• Lead failure analysis and root-cause investigations, driving rapid design improvements
• Support flight readiness reviews and system demonstrations

🔹 Advanced Propulsion Technologies

• Develop and evaluate next-generation propulsion concepts including:
• Hydrogen fuel cell systems
• Hybrid-electric propulsion
• Turbo-generator architectures
• Translate emerging technologies into practical, deployable systems

🔹 Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and flight test teams
• Lead technical reviews, vendor selection, and subsystem qualification
• Interface with stakeholders and customers during demonstrations and program milestones

🔹 Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Guide engineering teams in system integration and experimental development
• Promote a build-test-learn culture within advanced propulsion programs

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD or master’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering (Propulsion focus preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in propulsion system development

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