Propulsion Engineer

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade. Your mission As a Propulsion Engineer focused on Transmission, you will be essential in designing, developing, and integrating the mechanical power transmission system within our hybrid-electric propulsion framework. Transmission system includes but is not limited to shaft, drive shafts, couplings, gearbox, and disconnect systems. You will collaborate closely with teams from various disciplines, including electric propulsion, turbomachinery, software, and structural engineering, to create robust, lightweight, and high-efficiency transmission solutions. This role demands a high level of technical expertise in mechanical design and a strong understanding of propulsion systems. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: * This role is a Responsible Engineer (RE) who focuses on the integration of hybrid transmission systems into our hybrid aircraft. * Design and develop gearbox and mechanical power transmission systems for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion. * Perform sizing, strength, thermal, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) analyses of transmission components. * Nonlinear static and Dynamic analysis of structures and rotor systems. * Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to guide component development, material selection, and manufacturing processes. * Define requirements, specifications, and interface documents for transmission subsystems. * Lead and support testing and validation efforts including test rig development, instrumentation, and data analysis. * Collaborate with propulsion integration teams to ensure seamless integration into the aircraft. * Support certification and compliance activities in alignment with aviation regulatory bodies (e.g., EASA, FAA). You'll Bring These Qualifications: * 3+ years of experience in mechanical transmission design, preferably in aerospace or automotive sectors. * Aircraft or rotorcraft rotor dynamics and external loads analysis. * Hands-on experience in testing and validation of rotating machinery. * Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX) and CAE tools FEA, Python, Ansys for structural analysis and Github. * Experience with gear design, bearings, lubrication systems, and housing structures These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have: * Understanding of certification requirements (EASA CS-23/25 or FAA FAR Part 23/25). * Knowledge of aerospace airworthiness standards, e.g. DO-254, and DO-160. * Experience with electric or hybrid propulsion systems. Education * Master’s or PhD degree in in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a relevant discipline. Base Pay Range:  $124,000—$155,000 USD

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade. Your Mission We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our Dynamic Propulsion team in Torrance, CA. You will lead the testing, validation and certification of the aircraft’s hybrid-electric powertrain system. You will also interface across mechanical, thermal, propulsion, actuation, avionics, and battery teams to develop, execute, and analyze integrated system-level tests of the Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) and its subsystems. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Lead and execute system-level powertrain testing, including electric motor, inverter, gearbox, disconnect systems, and propeller subsystems. * Design and commission hybrid-electric propulsion test stands, HIL, and Digital Twin, including instrumentation, safety systems, control systems, and data acquisition. * Plan, execute, and document test campaigns to verify performance, safety, and certification compliance. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test procedures and test plans for integrated propulsion systems. * Coordinate with suppliers and external labs to support component and system-level testing. * Analyze test data, prepare reports, and provide feedback to design teams for iterative development. * Support environmental, endurance, fault-injection, and compliance testing for certification readiness. You'll Bring These Qualifications: * 2+ years of professional experience in powertrain, propulsion, or test engineering, with electric or ideally hybrid-electric systems. * Hands-on experience designing and operating powertrain or propulsion test stands with complex instrumentation and control. * Deep understanding of electric powertrains including motors, inverters, batteries, and thermal management systems. * Proficiency with data acquisition systems (e.g., dSPACE, NI, Dewesoft) and instrumentation (current/voltage sensors, thermocouples, strain gauges). * Experience developing automated test procedures and control scripts (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar). * Strong analytical skills in interpreting test data and diagnosing system performance and failure modes. * Understanding of high voltage safety standards and procedures for testing environments. These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have: * Familiarity with aerospace certification requirements (EASA CS-23/25 or FAA FAR Part 23/25). * Experience with DO-160 or MIL-STD environmental test standards. * Experience with root cause analysis and tools such as DFMEA and fault tree analysis. * Background in hybrid propulsion systems or aerospace propulsion integration. Education: * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields. Base Pay Range:  $124,000—$216,000 USD