SECTION I · THE BRIEF
Brief #06409Updated 10 SEP 2026SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATESGreenhouseKHOSLA VENTURES
Employbl Company Profile

May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion

Mach Industries provides technology solutions for defense systems that are built using techniques for producing and combusting hydrogen from sources found in the field.

Location
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Company size
50–200
Posted
Today
Via
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Section II · Full ProfileFree with an account
  • 01Comp band & equity packageLocked
  • 02Seniority & experience requirementsLocked
  • 03Interview process & rubricLocked
  • 04Hiring manager & team contextLocked
  • 05Growth trajectory in this roleLocked
  • 06Offer & decision timelineLocked

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May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion

Mach Industries· San Luis Obispo, California, United StatesView company profile


Job title
May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Propulsion
Job location
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Job description

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

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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Mach Industries headquarters

Austin, TX

Company size

50200 employees

Founded

2022

Total raised

$484,700,000

View company profile ↗

Funding rounds