Propulsion Engineering Manager

<p><strong>Propulsion Engineering Manager &#8211; High‑Altitude Aerospace Platforms</strong></p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Albuquerque, NM<br /> <strong>Employment:</strong> Full‑Time<br /> <strong>Compensation:</strong> Competitive + equity + exceptional benefits<br /> <strong>Industry:</strong> High‑Altitude Platforms / Electric Propulsion / Advanced Aerospace</p> <p><strong>About the Company (Client Confidential)</strong></p> <p>Our client is a rapidly scaling aerospace innovator developing next‑generation high‑altitude platform systems (HAPS) that operate in the stratosphere at 18-21km. These lighter‑than‑air, long-endurance vehicles deliver capabilities traditionally requiring satellites-telecommunications, imaging, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, climate research, and defense applications-at a fraction of the cost and with unmatched operational agility.</p> <p>With significant backing, active flight campaigns, and major partnerships across telecom, scientific, and government sectors, the company is entering a critical growth phase as it pushes toward commercial deployment.</p> <p><strong>The Role: Propulsion Engineering Manager</strong></p> <p>We are hiring an experienced Propulsion Engineering Manager to lead the team responsible for designing, developing, validating, and integrating the complete electrical propulsion system architecture for stratospheric flight vehicles.</p> <p>This role owns the propulsion department&#8217;s strategy, technical roadmap, execution, and engineering culture. It requires a leader who understands first principles deeply, moves fast, and knows how to balance engineering rigor with practical, iterative development-build a little, test a little, learn a lot.</p> <p>If you want to lead propulsion for one of the most advanced aerospace platforms in development today, this role is for you.</p> <p><strong>What You&#8217;ll Do</strong></p> <li>Lead and grow a world-class team developing lightweight, efficient propulsion systems for high‑altitude aircraft</li> <li>Establish long-term propulsion system roadmaps aligned with program goals and performance targets</li> <li>Recruit, mentor, develop, and guide engineering talent</li> <li>Be the technical authority for propulsion performance, risk management, and design direction.</li> <li>Own propulsion systems throughout the full development lifecycle-concept → design → manufacturing → qualification → integration</li> <li>Collaborate closely with cross-functional groups including:</li> <li>Electrical &amp; Software Engineering</li> <li>Soft Structures &amp; Composites</li> <li>Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality</li> <li>Ensure propulsion designs meet weight, cost, efficiency, and reliability requirements</li> <li>Drive on-time delivery in a fast-paced, flight-driven environment</li> <li>Oversee design and validation of:</li> <li>Electric motors &amp; actuated propeller systems</li> <li>Gimbals, actuators, linkages, servo systems</li> <li>Composite structures, housings, and integrated mechanisms</li> <li>Ensure robust engineering practices:</li> <li>FEA / CFD / thermal simulations</li> <li>Fatigue &amp; reliability analysis</li> <li>Review and approve system designs, schematics, CAD, drawings, and test plans</li> <li>Establish strong documentation practices: PDM, work instructions, travelers, traceability</li> <p><strong>What We&#8217;re Looking For</strong></p> <li>Bachelor&#8217;s or master&#8217;s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline</li> <li>10+ years designing mechanical or electromechanical systems, with 3+ years leading teams</li> <li>Strong background in actuated mechanisms, precision components, and electromechanical assemblies</li> <li>Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, thermal behaviour, structural analysis, and tolerance analysis</li> <li>Proven ability to lead complex engineering programs from concept through production</li> <li>Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on, R&amp;D-heavy aerospace environment</li> <li>Snacks &amp; refreshments</li> <li>Wellness perks (gym, activity spaces, dog kennel)</li> <li>Comprehensive medical, dental, vision &amp; disability coverage (82%+ employer-paid)</li> <li>401(k) with company match</li> <li>A collaborative, mission-driven aerospace culture</li> <p>Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.</p> <p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/Q2FsbHVtLkRheS43NTUwOS4xMjc4NEBkYXJ3aW4uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t.gif"></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff">Callum Day</span></p>