Atropos Group
Principal Aircraft Propulsion Engineer
Atropos Group, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Overview
Principal Aircraft Propulsion Engineer at Atropos Group. We’re a combat-tested group of engineers, operators, and entrepreneurs who believe America’s edge depends on autonomous airpower that’s trusted and deployable today, not in 2040. Backed by tier-one investors, we’ve secured the runway—financial, regulatory, and literal—to move at startup speed while tackling a national-security mission that matters. We’ve structured the company for radical ownership: no silos, no “systems integrator” overhead, just tightly knit mission-focused IPTs that own the hardware and code they ship. If you thrive where hard-tech ambition meets national-security urgency, you’ll build faster here than anywhere else. What’s In It For You
Mission With a Pulse. Every line of code, bracket, or test you deliver expands the toolbox of the warfighter on Day 1 of a conflict. Resources Without Red Tape. VC speed + DoD customer pull: access to test ranges, flight hours, and operator feedback while retaining startup agility. Career-Defining Upside. Significant equity, best-in-class benefits, and the chance to see your product deliver in months, not decades. What You’ll Do
Down-select powerplant (turboprop, turbofan, or hybrid-electric) via trade studies on SFC, cost, and signature. Design inlet, nacelle, and exhaust systems meeting thermal & IR signature requirements. Lead engine-to-airframe integration including mounts, vibration isolation, and systems routing. Manage supplier interface through rig testing and first-flight readiness. Develop digital-twin performance deck for mission-level sims. What You Bring
B.S./M.S. in Aero, Mech, or Propulsion; >7 yrs integrating engines on military or certified platforms. Cycle-analysis proficiency (NPSS/Gasturb) and ANSYS CFX or Fluent for inlet/diffuser flow. Familiarity with MIL-STD-1797/516 engine-installation airworthiness. Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance. Bonus Points
Hybrid-electric or SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) experience. Prior IR signature suppression projects. Compensation And Benefits
Base Salary: $165,000 to $245,000 USD Benefits
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are part of Atropos' total compensation. Atropos offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Platinum Healthcare Benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums. Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, with option to purchase additional life insurance for you and dependents. Unlimited PTO with a minimum of 15 days. 20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave. Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility, adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional support. Mental Health Resources: free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses. Daily Lunch catered. Company-funded child care stipend and commuter benefits (regional). Relocation assistance (where eligible). 401(k) retirement savings with 6% employer matching. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about compensation and benefits during the hiring process. Atropos 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, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic as required by federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to apply. Senioriry level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Aircraft Propulsion Engineer at Atropos Group. We’re a combat-tested group of engineers, operators, and entrepreneurs who believe America’s edge depends on autonomous airpower that’s trusted and deployable today, not in 2040. Backed by tier-one investors, we’ve secured the runway—financial, regulatory, and literal—to move at startup speed while tackling a national-security mission that matters. We’ve structured the company for radical ownership: no silos, no “systems integrator” overhead, just tightly knit mission-focused IPTs that own the hardware and code they ship. If you thrive where hard-tech ambition meets national-security urgency, you’ll build faster here than anywhere else. What’s In It For You
Mission With a Pulse. Every line of code, bracket, or test you deliver expands the toolbox of the warfighter on Day 1 of a conflict. Resources Without Red Tape. VC speed + DoD customer pull: access to test ranges, flight hours, and operator feedback while retaining startup agility. Career-Defining Upside. Significant equity, best-in-class benefits, and the chance to see your product deliver in months, not decades. What You’ll Do
Down-select powerplant (turboprop, turbofan, or hybrid-electric) via trade studies on SFC, cost, and signature. Design inlet, nacelle, and exhaust systems meeting thermal & IR signature requirements. Lead engine-to-airframe integration including mounts, vibration isolation, and systems routing. Manage supplier interface through rig testing and first-flight readiness. Develop digital-twin performance deck for mission-level sims. What You Bring
B.S./M.S. in Aero, Mech, or Propulsion; >7 yrs integrating engines on military or certified platforms. Cycle-analysis proficiency (NPSS/Gasturb) and ANSYS CFX or Fluent for inlet/diffuser flow. Familiarity with MIL-STD-1797/516 engine-installation airworthiness. Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance. Bonus Points
Hybrid-electric or SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) experience. Prior IR signature suppression projects. Compensation And Benefits
Base Salary: $165,000 to $245,000 USD Benefits
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are part of Atropos' total compensation. Atropos offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Platinum Healthcare Benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums. Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, with option to purchase additional life insurance for you and dependents. Unlimited PTO with a minimum of 15 days. 20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave. Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility, adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional support. Mental Health Resources: free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses. Daily Lunch catered. Company-funded child care stipend and commuter benefits (regional). Relocation assistance (where eligible). 401(k) retirement savings with 6% employer matching. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about compensation and benefits during the hiring process. Atropos 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, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic as required by federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities to apply. Senioriry level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr