May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion

San Luis Obispo, California, United States DEFENSE Full-time $115k to $130k Posted Sep 10, 2026
Apply on Mach Industries (opens in a new tab) Sourced via job-boards.greenhouse.io · Posted 2026-09-10

About this role

Mach Industries is hiring a May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion, full-time, on-site in San Luis Obispo, California, United States, in the DEFENSE sector.

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a New Graduate Propulsion Engineer to support the development of next-generation propulsion and energetic systems for advanced defense applications. Depending on your experience and interests, you may contribute to propulsion engineering, mechanical design, fluid systems, test engineering, hardware integration, or propulsion test operations.

You will work directly with propulsion hardware and help take systems from initial design through component testing, integrated hot-fire testing, and flight. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys designing hardware, building test systems, analyzing data, and solving challenging engineering problems in a fast-paced development environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the design, development, assembly, integration, and testing of rocket, turbine, thruster, and other aerospace propulsion systems.
  • Design mechanical components, fluid systems, pressure systems, test fixtures, ground-support equipment, and propulsion test stands.
  • Develop CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, assembly procedures, and test documentation.
  • Perform engineering analyses involving thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer, structural loads, and propulsion performance.
  • Support component-level testing of valves, regulators, feed systems, igniters, injectors, combustion devices, and related hardware.
  • Participate in integrated propulsion testing, including static-fire and hot-fire operations.
  • Instrument test articles and collect pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and thrust data using data-acquisition systems.
  • Analyze test data to evaluate performance, identify anomalies, and validate hardware against engineering requirements.
  • Support hazardous operations involving high-pressure, pneumatic, cryogenic, or energetic systems while maintaining strong operational discipline.
  • Troubleshoot propulsion hardware, fluid systems, instrumentation, and test setups during rapid development cycles.
  • Participate in design reviews, test-readiness reviews, dry runs, and post-test reviews.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, avionics, systems, flight-test, and operations teams to transition propulsion systems from prototype to flight-ready hardware.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Graduating by summer 2027.
  • Relevant experience gained through internships, research, academic projects, propulsion programs, or technical student organizations.
  • Foundational understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design, or propulsion.
  • Experience designing, building, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical hardware.
  • Strong problem-solving, systems-thinking, and technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with rocket engines, turbine engines, thrusters, UAV propulsion systems, or other aerospace propulsion hardware.
  • Participation in a collegiate rocketry, liquid propulsion, Formula SAE, Design/Build/Fly, UAV, or similar technical team.
  • Experience with propulsion test stands, static-fire testing, hot-fire operations, or engine test cells.
  • Familiarity with valves, regulators, injectors, feed systems, pressure vessels, tubing, fittings, or fluid-system design.
  • Experience with cryogenic, pneumatic, high-pressure, or energetic systems.
  • Familiarity with data-acquisition systems, sensors, instrumentation, and test-data analysis.
  • Experience using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools for engineering analysis and automation.
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, or propulsion-performance modeling.
  • Hands-on experience with shop equipment, tubing fabrication, welding, or precision mechanical assembly.
  • Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, design for manufacturability, and aerospace-quality documentation.
  • Experience supporting flight tests, field operations, or rapid hardware-development programs.

Additional Requirements

  • Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Engineer $115,000 — $130,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

  • Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
  • Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
  • Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
  • Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
  • Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
  • Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

Data Privacy
To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy .

Disclosures

Description from Mach Industries's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

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About Mach Industries

Mach Industries

Company in the mobility sector tracked nightly on the Mobility Jobs board.

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Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

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Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.