Propulsion Engineering Manager – High‑Altitude Aerospace Platforms

Location: Albuquerque, NM
Employment: Full‑Time
Compensation: Competitive + equity + exceptional benefits
Industry: High‑Altitude Platforms / Electric Propulsion / Advanced Aerospace

About the Company (Client Confidential)

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.

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.

The Role: Propulsion Engineering Manager

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.

This role owns the propulsion department’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.

If you want to lead propulsion for one of the most advanced aerospace platforms in development today, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow a world-class team developing lightweight, efficient propulsion systems for high‑altitude aircraft
• Establish long-term propulsion system roadmaps aligned with program goals and performance targets
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and guide engineering talent
• Be the technical authority for propulsion performance, risk management, and design direction.
• Own propulsion systems throughout the full development lifecycle-concept → design → manufacturing → qualification → integration
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional groups including:

• Vehicle Architecture
• Power Systems
• GNC
• Mission Operations
• Electrical & Software Engineering
• Soft Structures & Composites
• Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality
• Ensure propulsion designs meet weight, cost, efficiency, and reliability requirements
• Drive on-time delivery in a fast-paced, flight-driven environment

Technical Excellence

• Oversee design and validation of:
• Electric motors & actuated propeller systems
• Gimbals, actuators, linkages, servo systems
• Composite structures, housings, and integrated mechanisms
• Ensure robust engineering practices:
• DFMA
• Tolerance stacks
• FEA / CFD / thermal simulations
• Fatigue & reliability analysis
• FMEA
• Review and approve system designs, schematics, CAD, drawings, and test plans
• Establish strong documentation practices: PDM, work instructions, travelers, traceability

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
• 10+ years designing mechanical or electromechanical systems, with 3+ years leading teams
• Strong background in actuated mechanisms, precision components, and electromechanical assemblies
• Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, thermal behaviour, structural analysis, and tolerance analysis
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering programs from concept through production
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on, R&D-heavy aerospace environment

Benefits

• Chef-prepared lunches daily
• Snacks & refreshments
• Wellness perks (gym, activity spaces, dog kennel)
• Dog-friendly office environment
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision & disability coverage (82%+ employer-paid)
• 401(k) with company match
• Equity opportunities
• A collaborative, mission-driven aerospace culture

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

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