Staff Fluid Systems Engineer

Job Description:

We are seeking a Staff Fluid Systems Engineer to serve as the RE for fuel, oil, and bleed systems on on our low-bypass turbofan-powered next-generation UAV platform. This role demands cradle-to-grave ownership of flight-critical fluid systems—from requirements and architecture through design, integration, test, flight, and sustainment.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring that each system performs under high dynamic loading, extreme thermal conditions, and varying atmospheric environments. This role is both deeply technical and execution-focused, requiring close collaboration with teams across design, propulsion, manufacturing, flight test, and mission operations.

What you will do in this role:

• Own system architecture, interfaces, requirements, and verification plans for fuel, oil, and bleed systems.
• Lead design reviews and ensure robustness in high-risk conditions: elevated-G maneuvers, rapid descent/ascent, hot/cold soaks, and transient pressure swings.
• Develop models for compressible/incompressible flows, heat transfer, and venting under dynamic flight conditions.
• Solve problems related to vapor pressure, cavitation, slosh dynamics, level sensing, and ingestion risk.
• Lead ground and flight testing campaigns; analyze results to validate and improve design.
• Coordinate with flight test, supply chain, manufacturing, and propulsion integration teams.
• Manage risk, document trade studies, and author design verification plans and technical documentation.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of experience with aerospace fluid systems in a development or operational environment.
• Proven cradle-to-grave system ownership, including test and flight support.
• Deep understanding of fluid system behavior across operating regimes.
• Strong modeling and data analysis skills (Python, GFSSP, REFPROP, ANSYS, etc.).
• U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with UAVs, tactical aircraft, or jet/rocket propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with vented tanks, pressurization, and transient pressure/flow modeling.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.