Propulsion Test Engineer
Mach Industries
Quality Assurance
San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
USD 110k-150k / year + Equity
Location
San Luis Obispo
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
EngineeringPropulsion
Compensation
- $110K – $150K • Offers Equity
At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.
Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:
Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.
By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.
About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. 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 Propulsion Test Engineer to support the calibration and testing of advanced small engine systems for the next generation of airborne defense platforms. As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our propulsion systems, helping to maintain the United States’ strategic edge in modern warfare. Your expertise will drive the development and validation of high-performance engines that power autonomous defense platforms.
Mach Propulsion is redefining the small turbine engine—designing for high-rate production, scalability, modularity, and adaptability to help the United States maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. This is a chance to shape a new kind of propulsion company, one built around modern, automated manufacturing to deliver capable engines at meaningful volumes. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create high-performance, manufacturable systems that meet demanding mission requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Create test systems and infrastructure including test cells and instrumentation packages.
Develop control systems for test cells maintaining high accuracy and quality of data reported.
Execute verification and validation test plans of engines and related systems.
Assist in assembly, integration, and testing activities for first articles and first flight assets.
Collaborate with propulsion design, systems integration, and manufacturing teams to ensure test results inform system optimization.
Analyze test data to validate engine performance, identify anomalies, and recommend improvements.
Support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges as needed to meet project milestones.
Required Qualifications
2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on engine systems, drivetrain, or complex mechanical systems, emphasis on test preferred. 5 years in related aerospace experience without degree.
Multi-talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.
Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and experience with engineering analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD).
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems.
Willing to support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience testing small turbine engines or propulsion systems for aerospace or defense applications.
Familiarity with test cell design, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for propulsion testing.
Knowledge of flight test campaigns and aerospace validation processes.
Experience with control systems development for high-precision testing environments.
Understanding of defense industry standards for propulsion system testing and certification.
Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!
Compensation Range: $110K - $150K