May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion

Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. Founded in 2023, we are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a New Graduate Propulsion Engineer to support the development of next-generation propulsion and energetic systems for advanced defense applications. Depending on your experience and interests, you may contribute to propulsion engineering, mechanical design, fluid systems, test engineering, hardware integration, or propulsion test operations. You will work directly with propulsion hardware and help take systems from initial design through component testing, integrated hot-fire testing, and flight. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys designing hardware, building test systems, analyzing data, and solving challenging engineering problems in a fast-paced development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of rocket, turbine, thruster, and other aerospace propulsion systems.
• Design mechanical components, fluid systems, pressure systems, test fixtures, ground-support equipment, and propulsion test stands.
• Develop CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, assembly procedures, and test documentation.
• Perform engineering analyses involving thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer, structural loads, and propulsion performance.
• Support component-level testing of valves, regulators, feed systems, igniters, injectors, combustion devices, and related hardware.
• Participate in integrated propulsion testing, including static-fire and hot-fire operations.
• Instrument test articles and collect pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and thrust data using data-acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data to evaluate performance, identify anomalies, and validate hardware against engineering requirements.
• Support hazardous operations involving high-pressure, pneumatic, cryogenic, or energetic systems while maintaining strong operational discipline.
• Troubleshoot propulsion hardware, fluid systems, instrumentation, and test setups during rapid development cycles.
• Participate in design reviews, test-readiness reviews, dry runs, and post-test reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, avionics, systems, flight-test, and operations teams to transition propulsion systems from prototype to flight-ready hardware.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Graduating by summer 2027.
• Relevant experience gained through internships, research, academic projects, propulsion programs, or technical student organizations.
• Foundational understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design, or propulsion.
• Experience designing, building, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical hardware.
• Strong problem-solving, systems-thinking, and technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rocket engines, turbine engines, thrusters, UAV propulsion systems, or other aerospace propulsion hardware.
• Participation in a collegiate rocketry, liquid propulsion, Formula SAE, Design/Build/Fly, UAV, or similar technical team.
• Experience with propulsion test stands, static-fire testing, hot-fire operations, or engine test cells.
• Familiarity with valves, regulators, injectors, feed systems, pressure vessels, tubing, fittings, or fluid-system design.
• Experience with cryogenic, pneumatic, high-pressure, or energetic systems.
• Familiarity with data-acquisition systems, sensors, instrumentation, and test-data analysis.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools for engineering analysis and automation.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, or propulsion-performance modeling.
• Hands-on experience with shop equipment, tubing fabrication, welding, or precision mechanical assembly.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, design for manufacturability, and aerospace-quality documentation.
• Experience supporting flight tests, field operations, or rapid hardware-development programs.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. • 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. • 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation

Engineer $115,000—$130,000 USD. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off. Funds are allocated for continuing education, training, and career growth.