May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion

Mach Industries · Propulsion Engineering

Pay: $115,000–$130,000/yr
Where: San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Posted: Sep 10

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.

What you'd do

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.

What they want

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.
Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
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.

About Mach Industries · Propulsion Engineering

Founded in 2023, 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.