JetZero
Propulsion Architect
Long Beach, CA · Junior
No sponsorship$180k-$220kDetected 81 days ago
Business DevelopmentNegotiationTaxSupply ChainMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringLeadershipCommunicationMentoringPublic SpeakingThermodynamics
About the role
- Today's aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars.
- This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall.
- It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion.
Responsibilities
- Novel Integration Design: Lead the powerplant architecture definition and integration for the Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle performance, safety, and certification requirements.
- Technical Integration & Analysis: Lead technical risk identification and mitigation related to propulsion integration, including performance, operability, maintainability, and certification challenges.
- Supply Chain Support: Own and execute the supplier selection process for propulsion systems, including requirements definition, evaluation, negotiation support, and final recommendation.
- Strategic Leadership: Manage and guide Powerplant Engineering teams, providing technical leadership, prioritization, and mentorship through concept, design, and supplier down-selection phases.
- System Strategy and Trades: Drive propulsion system strategy, including trade studies, configuration selection, and long-term technology roadmaps across engines, APUs, and nacelle systems.
- Support program-level decision making by providing data-driven analyses, trade studies, and executive-level technical recommendations.
- Engineering Cross-Functional Engagement: Collaborate cross-functionally with airframe, systems, structures, aerodynamics, and flight sciences teams to ensure seamless propulsion-airframe integration.
- Program Cross-Functional Engagement: Partner with Supply Chain, Sales & Marketing, and Business Development to align propulsion decisions with program cost targets, market needs, and strategic partnerships.
- JZ Champion: Represent JetZero in external engagements, including suppliers, partners, and industry stakeholders, as a subject matter expert in propulsion architecture.
- Lead the powerplant architecture definition and integration for the Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle performance, safety, and certification requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- 15+ years experience in propulsion
- Foundational knowledge of gas turbine engine operation and thermodynamics
- Experience leading system integration, supplier oversight, and technical decision‑making in aerospace or related industries.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and resolve complex engine installation and integration problems across structural, systems, and certification domains.
- Proven manager and leader in Propulsion Airframe Integration and Aerodynamics in early-stage conceptual development and production programs.
- Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job.
- 15+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education (Master's, PhD) and experience.
- 5+ years of management-level experience or an equivalent combination of education (MBA) and experience.
- Knowledge of Engine/APU turbomachinery design, development, & certification. (e.g., 14 CFR Part 25, Part 33)
- Prior involvement in engine development and certification programs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to plan and execute qualification testing, produce technical documentation (interface drawings, installation reports, test procedures), and manage configuration and requirements.
- Strong technical background in engine integration, installation analysis, and aircraft‑level interfaces (pylons, mounts, ducts, fuel/oil/airlines, control lines, thermal and aerodynamic interactions).
- Ability to lead a team, including training and mentoring more junior engineers who will contribute to the team's success.
Nice to have
- Preferred Skills & Experience
Skills
- Champion modern engineering practices and tools within a collaborative, agile development environment
Compensation
- Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees.
- The range for this role is $180,000-$220,000.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Equity tax advisory services
Company info
- transparent and collaborative.
- Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way.
- During this first conversation, you'll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are.
- We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative.
Equal opportunity
- At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice.
Visa & Work Authorization
- Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.
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This listing is sourced directly from JetZero's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.