Propulsion Engineer

About the role

As Principal Engineer, Propulsion Systems, you’ll be the propulsion technical authority for the CHAOS airplane. CHAOS isn’t developing an engine. You’ll recommend the engine and APU and own how they integrate with the airplane, taking the configuration from preliminary design through certification and entry into service.

You’ll lead the Propulsion Integrated Product Team, report to the Propulsion Lead, and present trade results and recommendations to the Chief Engineer. You’ll be accountable for meeting the program’s key targets: fuel consumption, weight, community noise, emissions, cost and schedule.

What you’ll own

• Aircraft-level propulsion integration: engine, APU, nacelle, pylon and mounts, inlet and exhaust, thrust reverser, and engine build-up
• Engine selection and trade studies, including parametric cycle analysis
• The baseline engine deck, installed performance model, and thrust and drag accounting
• Engine and APU sizing, mission matching, and engine-airframe matching
• Fuel system architecture: tank sizing, feed, vent, pressure refuel, indication, and fuel-tank inerting
• Supplier management: interface control documents, statements of work, and technical design reviews
• Certification planning and installation qualification, bridging engine certification (14 CFR Part 33) and airplane installation (14 CFR Part 25)
• Mentoring engineers and setting technical standards across the Propulsion IPT

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, plus 10+ years of direct experience in aerospace propulsion systems engineering, including aircraft propulsion integration (or an advanced degree with fewer years)
• Experience sizing, selecting and integrating turbofan engines and nacelle systems on a commercial or military transport aircraft
• Experience with APU sizing, installation and integration (start, bleed, electrical, fire zone, exhaust and noise)
• Proficiency with NPSS, AEDsys / ONX or MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with fuel system sizing and architecture
• Experience with nacelle, inlet/exhaust, thrust reverser, pylon/mount and engine build-up integration
• Working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 25 (powerplant, fuel system, fire protection) and Part 33, including how engine certification data supports installation compliance
• Experience managing engine, nacelle and fuel system suppliers, including ICDs, requirements flow-down and design reviews
• Experience leading multi-criteria trade studies and presenting recommendations to a Chief Engineer or equivalent
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across engineering functions, suppliers and senior leadership

Preferred

• Master’s degree or PhD in thermal sciences or advanced propulsion
• CFD experience
• Experience with hybrid/electric, open fan or cryogenic fuel systems
• Experience establishing means of compliance with the FAA or EASA, including special conditions and issue papers
• Experience with fuel-tank flammability reduction or inerting systems
• Experience with engine and APU installation testing (wind tunnel, ground, flight)
• Full program lifecycle experience, from preliminary design through certification and entry into service

Location and requirements

This role is based on-site in Washington, DC, with periodic travel to supplier sites, test facilities and certification authority meetings. Access to export-controlled technical data is required, so candidates must be eligible under applicable regulations. A government clearance may be required depending on program profile.

NO EXTERNAL AGENCIES PLEASE