Propulsion Engineering Manager

Propulsion Engineering Manager

Status: Full Time

Location: Moriarty, NM

Shape the Future of Aerospace at Sceye!

At Sceye, you won't just find a job, you'll discover a career with purpose. Join us and be part of a team committed to shaping the future of aerospace technology. Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a work environment where creativity and innovation thrive.

Job Purpose:

As Propulsion Engineering Manager, you will be leading the department responsible for the design, analysis, development, manufacture, qualification, and integration of propulsion systems for our stratospheric airships. A strong understanding of first principles to balance a healthy level of technical concerns with a passion to innovate quickly by knowing when and where to take risks drives success in this role: build a little, test a little, learn a lot, improve.

What You'll Do:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead a team of engineers to design, develop, and deliver efficient, lightweight stratospheric electrical propulsion systems.
• Define technical roadmaps for propulsion systems aligned with program goals and aircraft performance objectives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering team members.

Project Management & Execution

• Own the full product development lifecycle for all propulsion systems, from concept to production.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines, including Vehicle Architecture, Power Systems, GNC Engineering, Mission Operations, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Soft Structures Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Quality/Test Engineering.
• Ensure on-time delivery of designs that meet performance, weight, cost, and reliability targets.

Technical Excellence & Problem Solving

• Oversee the design and validation of electrical motor systems, propellers, gimbals, composite structures, electromechanical actuators, linkages, servo systems, and other moving mechanisms.
• Ensure robust design practices, including DFMA, tolerance stack analysis, simulations (FEA, CFD, Thermal), fatigue analysis, reliability analysis, and failure mode analysis (FMEA).
• Oversee documentation practices and systems including PDM, work instructions, travelers, traceability.
• Review and approve detailed designs, engineering drawings, and test plans.

Testing & Certification

• Take lead in validating system performance through simulation, bench testing, dyno testing, environmental testing, integration testing, and flight testing.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts and lessons-learned into future designs.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design of complicated systems, with at least 3 years in a management or team leadership role.
• Expertise in actuated systems, precision mechanisms, and electromechanical components.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including kinematics, dynamics, thermal analysis, tolerance stack analysis, and structural analysis.

Nice to Have:

• Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Hands-on experience designing and/or testing composite systems.
• Experience going through the product development cycle from concept to production for electric motor-driven actuated propeller-based propulsion systems.
• Experience designing/managing systems which operate in extreme thermal environments such as space.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams for technically challenging projects on tight timelines while staying on budget.
• Strong background in systems engineering for aircraft systems.
• Experience planning, executing, and analyzing creative system tests to ensure successful system function in flight.
• Experience developing and standardizing processes for design, analysis, and testing.

Why Sceye?

At Sceye, we combine innovation with a mission to create a sustainable future. Along with competitive salaries and benefits, enjoy:

• Onsite chef-prepared lunches
• Access to a gym, pickleball court, and outdoor dog kennel
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage
• A 401(k) with company match
• And more!