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machindustries.com

Head of Propulsion

machindustries.com, Huntington Beach, California, us, 92615


Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense. Mach Industries is seeking a

Head of Propulsion

to lead the development of cutting-edge propulsion systems for our next-generation autonomous vehicles. As the Head of Propulsion, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire propulsion engineering function, driving the design, development, and integration of

air-breathing engines

for unmanned platforms. Your expertise will guide the team from concept through to prototype testing, ensuring that our propulsion systems provide a

strategic edge

in the evolving landscape of modern warfare. At Mach Industries, we exist to build

the next-generation platforms

that maintain an allied American edge. The future of warfare is in

decentralized unmanned systems , and we are committed to producing these platforms by the millions to

deter kinetic conflict . As the Head of Propulsion, you will play a central role in ensuring that the propulsion systems we develop are not only technically superior but also manufacturable at scale in

decentralized, flexible factories , enabling supply chain defensibility and adaptability. You will lead a dynamic team, collaborating across engineering disciplines to deliver propulsion systems that give us a

strategic dollar-to-dollar edge

over our adversaries. Responsibilities: Lead the propulsion engineering function , overseeing the design, development, and integration of air-breathing engines for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and next-generation defense platforms.

Manage the

end-to-end propulsion development process , from concept through to prototype testing, including system design, analysis, and optimization.

Lead the propulsion team , mentoring and guiding engineers in both the technical and strategic aspects of propulsion systems development.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (aerodynamics, avionics, systems integration) to ensure that propulsion systems meet mission-critical performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

Ensure that propulsion systems are designed with scalability in mind, enabling high-volume manufacturing at decentralized factories while maintaining high performance, cost efficiency, and adaptability.

Contribute to the development of

innovative manufacturing processes

and test systems that support high-throughput production of propulsion systems.

Basic Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in

propulsion engineering , specifically in the development of

air-breathing or liquid-fueled engines

for military or aerospace applications.

Proven ability to

take propulsion systems from concept to prototype , with hands-on experience in all phases of design, testing, and integration.

Deep expertise in

engine thermodynamics, combustion, and fluid dynamics , with a strong understanding of propulsion systems engineering, including thrust, fuel systems, and engine control.

Extensive experience with

engine performance testing , including development of test plans, data analysis, and validation against operational requirements.

Strong background in

CAD design and simulation tools

(e.g., NX, Teamcenter) to guide design and ensure manufacturability.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in

Mechanical Engineering ,

Aerospace Engineering , or a related field. A PhD is a plus.

Proven leadership experience, with the ability to

lead and mentor a high-performing team

in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Hands-on experience

in developing or testing

liquid-fueled or air-breathing engines , with a strong track record of successful propulsion system designs and prototypes.

Experience in

unmanned systems

or

autonomous vehicles , with an understanding of their specific propulsion needs and challenges.

Expertise in

fuel management systems

and

engine control systems , with experience integrating these technologies into complex systems.

Why Mach Industries?

At

Mach Industries , we are building the

next-generation platforms

that will help the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic edge in future warfare. Our mission is clear: we will produce these platforms by the millions to

deter kinetic conflict

and ensure that the U.S. military remains prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We are pioneering a new class of

decentralized unmanned systems

that will redefine how we approach defense technology. We don’t just design systems—we ensure they can be produced at scale, using

flexible, adaptable factories

to guarantee supply chain defensibility and meet the urgent needs of modern warfare. As the

Head of Propulsion , you will have the opportunity to lead the development of propulsion systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible. You will work in an environment that values innovation, agility, and the ability to execute on complex, high-stakes projects. If you are driven by a sense of purpose and the desire to contribute to the future of defense, we want to hear from you. Join us at Mach Industries, where your work will shape the future of warfare and secure the American way of life.

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