Principal Propulsion Engineer (R6453)

Seattle, Washingtonfull time

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On Site

senior

H1B: no

f7d8749a-72d6-407c-bf98-292ea630c73a The Principal Propulsion Engineer leads design and continual improvement of mechanical components for UAV propulsion systems. This role manages CAD efforts, enforces design standards, and collaborates with production teams to ensure manufacturable and testable propulsion hardware.

Responsibilities

Own the design of propulsion components and subsystems from concept through production release
Develop and maintain high-quality CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX with fully applied GD&T
Write and enforce propulsion design standards and contribute to company-wide design best practices
Collaborate closely with the machine shop, production team, and technicians to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and drive iterative improvements
Develop initial work instructions, assembly guidance, and design documentation for repeatability and scalability
Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective, with strong understanding of machining, tolerances, materials, and assembly workflows
Apply engineering analysis and judgment (e.g., hand calcs, GFSSP, ANSYS, FEA, REFPROP) to support sizing, load cases, and design validation
Support configuration management, BOM control, and change processes using Teamcenter or equivalent PLM
Participate in design reviews, interface control working groups, and root cause investigations
What You'll Bring

Qualification

Experience with GFSSP

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
7+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, with direct propulsion hardware experience preferred
Expert-level proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation (NX preferred) and application of GD&T
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with production, machine shop personnel, and technicians to solve real-time hardware issues
Familiarity with design for manufacturing, including machining processes, surface modeling, stack-up analysis, and fabrication limitations
Hands-on experience developing assembly work instructions, troubleshooting build issues, and implementing hardware-driven design changes
Experience with configuration management, PLM systems (Teamcenter), and BOM structure
U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements; Ability to obtain Secret clearance

Preferred

Experience with GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, FEA, or other mechanical and thermal analysis tools
Ability to write Python scripts for design automation, data analysis, or simulation support
Proficient in interface control and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies
Knowledge of fastening methods and joint design for high-vibration, aerospace environments
Familiarity with high-temperature materials and design practices for thermally stressed components
Prior experience designing hardware for internal combustion, turbine, or rocket propulsion systems, particularly in development or test environments
M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
Full-time regular employee offer package: