Propulsion Inlet Design Engineer

Full Job Description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A senior aerospace engineer with expertise in inlet design and propulsion–airframe integration for high-speed aircraft

• A self-directed engineer who thrives in ambiguous, highly coupled design environments

• Comfortable owning complex subsystems end-to-end, from early analytical trade studies through detailed CFD and system-level integration

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the design, analysis, and integration of supersonic air inlet systems for highly coupled propulsion–airframe configurations

• Develop and apply analytical methods, reduced-order models, and CFD to guide inlet architecture selection and performance trade studies

• Evaluate inlet performance metrics including mass flow capture, pressure recovery, flow distortion, and operability across the flight envelope

• Work closely with propulsion, airframe, and systems engineers to resolve inlet–engine integration challenges such as bleed systems, secondary flows, and transient behavior

• Provide technical leadership and independent judgment in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary aerospace design environment

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years of experience in the design and analysis of air inlet systems

• Experience with supersonic inlet architectures, including axisymmetric spike inlets, two-dimensional inlets, and external/internal compression concepts

• Strong background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applied to internal flows

• Experience assessing inlet–engine operability and integration issues, including distortion, bleed management, and transient behavior

• Proven ability to work independently and drive technically rigorous solutions in highly coupled propulsion–airframe designs

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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