Lead Propulsion Engineer

Role Sorian Aerospace is building a high-performance fighter-class jet for adversary air (Red Air) missions and advanced pilot training. The goal: deliver the maneuverability, integrated electronic warfare, BVR targeting, autonomous flight, CCA interoperability, and flight experience of front-line fighters — at a fraction of the cost. As Lead Propulsion Engineer, you’ll own the design, development, and integration of the propulsion system.

You’ll select the engine, define interfaces, manage performance and reliability targets, and lead testing from bench to flight. You’ll be responsible for getting thrust on the vehicle — and making sure it works under pressure. This is a hands-on role with clear ownership. You won’t manage a large team at the start — you’ll lead by building, testing, and proving the system works.

As the program scales, you’ll shape the propulsion team that follows.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion system design from concept through flight testing
• Select and integrate off-the-shelf or modified engines into the vehicle
• Define engine interfaces, fuel systems, and control architectures
• Lead ground and flight test campaigns to validate performance and reliability
• Diagnose engine issues and drive tuning, startup, and failure recovery
• Collaborate closely with structures, avionics, and systems teams to ensure tight integration
• Build and mentor a small team of high-agency engineers as the program scales

Requirements

• 5–8 years of experience designing, integrating, and testing jet or turbine engines
• Strong working knowledge of turbo machinery, thermodynamics, combustion, and control systems
• Direct experience with engine startup, tuning, and test campaign execution
• Track record of building and shipping flight-ready hardware under fast timelines
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required

Results

• Deliver a propulsion system that meets spec and flies reliably
• Establish an in-house propulsion test capability for fast iteration
• Create a culture of technical depth, urgency, and ownership on the propulsion team

Availability Full-time, based in Long Beach, CA
Evenings and weekends may be required during engine development and flight test campaigns

Compensation Range $250,000–$300,000 base salary

• generous equity
• complete healthcare benefits for you and your dependents

Company Core Values We run it hotter. We run it faster.
We challenge assumptions, move quickly, and prioritize execution over hierarchy.
We value engineers who take ownership, solve hard problems, and deliver working systems. To apply: Email your resume and a brief summary of the hardest thing you’ve ever worked on, why you cared, and whether it was worth it to  or click the “Apply Now” button below. Apply Now#J-18808-Ljbffr