Propulsion System Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us. Satellite engineering offices across the US are available so location constraints are potentially flexible.

Propulsion System Engineer (Senior and Principal levels considered)

The Propulsion System Engineer performs steady-state and transient modeling of the performance and operability of high-speed aerospace propulsion systems to support all phases of vehicle development, including design, integration, and ground and flight test. This role contributes to aerospace system design and optimization by delivering accurate numerical insights validated against physical models and test data, while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

This position is eligible for remote work.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support propulsion system design and analysis tasks using classical propulsion cycle code methods and emerging engineering tools.
• Develop new physics-based design and analysis tools for propulsion system components and technologies.
• Perform analysis of internal flows of airbreathing propulsion flowpaths, including high-speed systems with complex shock / boundary layer interactions, combustion, and thermal management.
• Develop and recommend design solutions to optimize airbreathing propulsion performance and operability for high-speed systems.
• Support multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) efforts, including integration of propulsion models with aerodynamics, airframe structures, power, and controls simulations.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, analysis summaries, charts, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders.
• Interface with customer technical representatives to review and discuss analysis activities and results.

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related discipline.
• 10-15+ years of experience in high speed airbreathing propulsion or similar industry; or
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Experience with design and analysis of ramjet and scramjet engines and related vehicle system design and analysis.
• Demonstrated application of engineering design and analysis codes for engine flowpaths, cycle analysis for different classes of propulsion systems, and aerothermal analysis.
• Deep competency in thermodynamics and gas dynamics, including experience with propulsion system related analysis tools (e.g., CEA and REFPROP).
• Strong programming skills for modeling and analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Fortran, or C++), including scripting for automation of simulations and data reduction.
• Experience with high-speed vehicle design, propulsion / airframe integration, and / or trajectory analysis, CFD, and optimization codes a plus.
• Familiarity with ground or flight testing of airbreathing propulsion systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with rigorous attention to validation, verification, and engineering accuracy.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Active U.S. security clearance preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.