Senior Level Propulsion Engineer Jobs
Senior level propulsion engineer jobs demand full ownership of propulsion system architecture, leading cross-functional teams and driving technical decisions from concept through flight qualification. Roles are concentrated in Aerospace & Defense and Science & Research, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions, and employers like Shield AI, Wing, and Amentum hiring at this level now.
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About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Senior Aerodynamics & Propulsion Test Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team. This role is based onsite in Palo Alto, CA. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert owning the wind tunnel and propulsion test and analysis function including developing and maintaining test infrastructure, developing new methodologies for propulsion subsystem characterization and verification, and leading test campaigns. You bring superb technical, research and analytical capabilities with a demonstrated ability to get the right work done quickly and effectively, diving deep, producing analyses, and communicating results to a broad audience of stakeholders.
What You'll Do:
- Plan and execute aerodynamic testing, including wind tunnel testing, propeller testing, motor testing, and aeroacoustic testing, at both onsite and external facilities
- Select, build, and maintain data acquisition (DAQ) systems, automated test scripts, and data acquisition pipelines
- Design, build, and maintain custom test fixtures using CAD and rapid-prototyping methods
- Select, install, and calibrate sensors such as force/torque sensors, thermocouples, optical sensors, and air data systems
- Process raw test data to characterize and evaluate propulsion systems for thrust, power, efficiency, acoustic, dynamic response, and thermal performance across the full operational envelope, including edge-of-envelope and failure-mode conditions
- Produce data products and comprehensive test reports support design reviews and simulation development
- Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems
What You'll Need:
- 8+ years experience in wind tunnel and propulsion testing and instrumentation for electric or hybrid-electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and/or distributed electric propulsion aircraft
- Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)
- Strong experience with National Instruments data acquisition hardware and sensor selection for aerodynamic, propulsion, and motor testing
- Proficiency with Labview and experience with TCP/IP, CAN bus protocols
- Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software disciplines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to occasionally lift and move parts and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds for prototype assemblies and test fixtures
- The person in this position needs to frequently move about inside the office and lab areas to build and assemble prototypes and access equipment
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a Senior Aerodynamics & Propulsion Test Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team. This role is based onsite in Palo Alto, CA. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert owning the wind tunnel and propulsion test and analysis function including developing and maintaining test infrastructure, developing new methodologies for propulsion subsystem characterization and verification, and leading test campaigns. You bring superb technical, research and analytical capabilities with a demonstrated ability to get the right work done quickly and effectively, diving deep, producing analyses, and communicating results to a broad audience of stakeholders.
What You'll Do:
- Plan and execute aerodynamic testing, including wind tunnel testing, propeller testing, motor testing, and aeroacoustic testing, at both onsite and external facilities
- Select, build, and maintain data acquisition (DAQ) systems, automated test scripts, and data acquisition pipelines
- Design, build, and maintain custom test fixtures using CAD and rapid-prototyping methods
- Select, install, and calibrate sensors such as force/torque sensors, thermocouples, optical sensors, and air data systems
- Process raw test data to characterize and evaluate propulsion systems for thrust, power, efficiency, acoustic, dynamic response, and thermal performance across the full operational envelope, including edge-of-envelope and failure-mode conditions
- Produce data products and comprehensive test reports support design reviews and simulation development
- Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems
What You'll Need:
- 8+ years experience in wind tunnel and propulsion testing and instrumentation for electric or hybrid-electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and/or distributed electric propulsion aircraft
- Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)
- Strong experience with National Instruments data acquisition hardware and sensor selection for aerodynamic, propulsion, and motor testing
- Proficiency with Labview and experience with TCP/IP, CAN bus protocols
- Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software disciplines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to occasionally lift and move parts and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds for prototype assemblies and test fixtures
- The person in this position needs to frequently move about inside the office and lab areas to build and assemble prototypes and access equipment
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
- Science & Research
Senior Level Propulsion Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level propulsion engineer job?
Employers hiring at the senior level look for engineers who have owned a propulsion subsystem or full system end-to-end, not just contributed to one. Demonstrated experience leading design reviews, guiding junior engineers, and making trade-off decisions under schedule and budget pressure separates strong candidates. A portfolio of delivered hardware or flight-qualified systems is the clearest signal that you are ready for this scope.
Which companies hire senior level propulsion engineers?
Companies hiring senior level propulsion engineers right now include Shield AI, Wing, and Amentum, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of established defense and aerospace primes, commercial launch and satellite companies, and government-adjacent contractors developing next-generation propulsion systems.
Are there remote senior level propulsion engineer jobs?
Yes, though most senior propulsion engineer roles still require significant on-site time given hands-on hardware and test requirements. About 20% of senior level propulsion engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at companies where design work can be separated from test operations.
What makes a propulsion engineer role senior level?
Senior level propulsion engineer roles are defined by ownership and scope rather than task execution. Engineers at this stage set the technical direction for a propulsion system, make binding design decisions, lead concept-to-delivery efforts, and mentor mid-level and junior engineers on the team. They are accountable for system-level performance, reliability, and integration outcomes, and are expected to operate independently with minimal direction from management.
Which industries hire the most senior level propulsion engineers?
Senior level propulsion engineer roles concentrate in Aerospace & Defense and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors drive the most hiring because they combine significant R&D investment with active development programs that require experienced engineers to own propulsion systems from early design through testing and delivery.