Propulsion Engineer – Lead | Advanced Autonomous Systems | Southern California

Darwin Defense is partnering with a high-growth autonomous systems company on an urgent Propulsion Engineer – Lead search.

This is a full ownership role for someone who genuinely lives in the engine. Real reliability challenges, real hardware at scale, real mission impact.

We are looking for somebody to own propulsion development and integration across small displacement internal combustion engines and compact turbine architectures. Test stand to flight line, engine selection through to qualification, calibration and tuning, fuel system design, failure investigation, and hybrid electric integration as the program evolves.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years hands on experience with small piston engines, compact turbines, or similar powerplant architectures
• Proven test stand capability, dyno instrumentation, exhaust gas temperature monitoring, data acquisition
• Engine management system calibration and fuel injection tuning experience
• Structured failure investigation and corrective action track record
• Python or MATLAB for data reduction and log analysis
• Self sufficient, runs their own tests, doesn’t need hand holding.

Group 2-5 UAS experience a strong plus. US Citizenship and DoD clearance eligibility required.

What’s In It For You $150,000 to $190,000 base + equity + relocation support + unlimited PTO + full benefits. Flex available for the right candidate.

Please apply within or reach out directly on LinkedIn.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kyle Gauntlett