Propulsion Design and Integration Lead – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Job Description

Level 5 Propulsion Design and Integration Lead – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Seniority: Level 5 Propulsion Design and Integration Lead

Reports To: Chief Engineer

Company Description

Purple Rhombus designs, builds, manufactures, and tests unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for U.S. government and commercial customers. Focused on producibility, Purple Rhombus aircraft are engineered for scalable manufacture, rapid deployment, and mission-ready performance. We are seeking mission-driven individuals to join the team to build the next generation of unmanned aircraft.

Position Overview

Purple Rhombus is seeking a Level 5 Propulsion Design and Integration Lead to serve as the technical authority for propulsion system selection, design, and integration across fixed-wing UAS platforms. This role owns propulsion architecture decisions spanning piston/propeller, electric propeller, and jet-powered systems and ensures performance, reliability, manufacturability, and airworthiness across development, flight test, production, and operational deployment. The Level 5 lead provides propulsion leadership across programs and serves as the primary interface for propulsion-related technical decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Propulsion Architecture and System Design Ownership

Own propulsion system architecture and configuration selection across UAS platforms including piston engines, electric propulsion systems, and jet engines. Lead trade studies evaluating performance, endurance, thermal management, acoustic signature, reliability, and cost. Define propulsion design standards, margins, and integration philosophies supporting scalable production and operational use.

Piston and Electric Propeller Integration

Lead integration of internal combustion engines and electric motors with propeller systems, including mount design, vibration isolation, cooling airflow, exhaust routing, electrical generation, battery interfaces, and propeller selection. Ensure compatibility with airframe structures, avionics, and mission systems while meeting performance and reliability requirements.

Jet Propulsion Integration

Lead integration of small turbine and jet propulsion systems including inlet and exhaust design, fuel systems, thermal shielding, structural load paths, and signature management. Coordinate with airframe and structures teams to ensure proper thrust alignment, margin management, and safe operation across the flight envelope.

Propulsion Testing and Validation

Define and lead propulsion ground test and flight test strategies including thrust measurement, endurance testing, thermal validation, vibration analysis, and failure mode evaluation. Support flight test campaigns and own corrective actions tied to propulsion anomalies. Ensure test data informs design updates and configuration maturity.

Production Readiness and Sustainment

Drive propulsion system maturity from prototype through LRIP and production configurations. Ensure propulsion installations are producible, maintainable, and supported by complete documentation. Coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to enable rate scaling, supplier qualification, and field sustainment.

Cross-Functional and Technical Leadership

Mentor propulsion, mechanical, and integration engineers and provide technical direction across programs. Interface with propulsion vendors, airframe teams, systems engineering, and program leadership. Serve as the propulsion technical authority during design reviews, failure investigations, and customer engagements.

Required Qualifications

Ten or more years of propulsion engineering experience with direct prior UAS experience. Demonstrated experience integrating piston/propeller, electric propeller, and jet propulsion systems on fixed-wing aircraft. Proven ownership of propulsion design and integration through development, flight test, and production. Strong understanding of propulsion performance, thermal management, vibration, and structural integration. Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field. Ability to travel to test locations, production facilities, and customer sites.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Experience with fuel systems, FADEC, battery management systems, and hybrid propulsion architectures. Familiarity with airworthiness requirements, reliability analysis, and field sustainment of propulsion systems. Experience supporting flight test, operational deployment, and rapid iteration programs.

Competencies and Attributes

Recognized propulsion technical authority with strong first-principles engineering judgment. Ability to translate mission requirements into reliable propulsion architectures. Decisive decision-maker under test, production, and operational pressure. Clear communicator capable of leading propulsion discussions across disciplines. Strong ownership mindset for propulsion performance, reliability, and mission success.

Annual salary range: $160,000–$200,000

Travel: 15% per year.

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance