Turbomachinery Engineer

Location: Huntington Beach CA
Employment Type: Full-Time Direct Hire
Workplace: On-site

This is a highly strategic hands-on engineering role within a small fast-moving advanced manufacturing environment focused on building next-generation propulsion systems. The team operates in a lean execution-driven setting where engineers are deeply involved across the full lifecycle - from early concept and simulation through hardware development testing iteration and scale-up.

This is not a large corporate siloed role. Engineers here are expected to think beyond their individual function take ownership of systems and components and work closely with manufacturing automation and test teams to ensure designs are not only high-performing but also buildable and scalable.

The environment rewards engineers who are comfortable with ambiguity enjoy solving hard physical problems and are motivated by seeing their work quickly turn into real hardware. If you prefer clearly defined lanes long design cycles or purely analytical work this role will likely feel uncomfortable. If you enjoy responsibility speed and real-world impact this role will be highly rewarding.

• Own and support the development of small gas turbine and propulsion systems from concept through prototype testing and production readiness

• Design turbomachinery components and rotating assemblies with a strong focus on performance durability and manufacturability

• Create detailed 3D CAD models layouts and engineering documentation for engine subsystems and components

• Perform aerodynamic and thermodynamic analysis to evaluate performance against program inputs and system requirements

• Conduct structural analysis fatigue modeling life estimation and rotor dynamics analysis for high-speed rotating machinery

• Apply CFD and FEA tools to support design decisions and validate performance and durability assumptions

• Specify and evaluate bearing systems seals materials balancing strategies and DFx considerations

• Participate directly in hardware development assembly and testing including cold and hot gas testing of experimental turbomachinery

• Work closely with manufacturing and automation teams to ensure designs transition efficiently from prototype to repeatable production

• Rapidly iterate designs based on test data manufacturing feedback and system-level trade studies

• Contribute across disciplines as needed wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced development environment

• Bachelors degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

• 4 6 years of direct experience in gas turbine design jet engine development or high-speed rotating machinery

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Rotating assembly design

  • CFD analysis

  • Structural and fatigue analysis (FEA)

  • Rotor dynamics

• Strong understanding of turbomachinery materials alloys and manufacturing processes

• Proficiency with CAD and simulation tools such as ANSYS STAR-CCM SolidWorks NX Concepts NREC AxStream or similar

• Hands-on experience with turbomachinery or propulsion system testing is highly preferred

• Familiarity with turbine cycle analysis tools (e.g. NPSS) is a plus

• Ability to work on-site in Huntington Beach CA in a collaborative hardware-focused engineering environment

• Must be eligible to work on projects subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR)

This role offers high visibility ownership and responsibility but also comes with high expectations. Engineers are trusted to make decisions move quickly and take accountability for results. The team values practical engineering judgment hands-on problem-solving and the ability to execute under real-world manufacturing constraints.