# Staff Mechanical Engineer – Propulsion at Firestorm

- Company: Firestorm
- What the company does: Firestorm Labs - Democratize the fight with radically-affordable, mission-adaptable power for air, land, and sea. Backed by NEA.
- Company website: https://www.launchfirestorm.com/
- Type: Startups
- Level: Senior
- Location: San Diego, United States
- Work setup: On-site
- Pay: $145K to $165K base salary per year (USD)
- Posted: 2026-08-12
- Apply by: 2026-10-08
- Apply: https://jobs.gem.com/firestorm/am9icG9zdDpzJFMhH5kcbv-u7KFWpt6R
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/firestorm-staff-mechanical-engineer-propulsion/

## About the role

As a Staff Propulsion Engineer at Firestorm, you will own the propulsion systems that power our sUAS platforms—from small piston and heavy-fuel engines to the fuel, induction, ignition, and exhaust architectures that surround them. You will be responsible for engine selection, integration, calibration, and qualification across Firestorm’s fuel-based aircraft, translating mission endurance and performance requirements into producible powerplant solutions.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
- 7+ years of experience in propulsion engineering, preferably with small piston engines, heavy-fuel engines, or small gas turbines
- Deep working knowledge of internal combustion fundamentals: thermodynamic cycles, AFR, combustion, knock, ignition systems, and exhaust
- Hands-on experience designing and operating engine test stands, including dyno instrumentation, fuel flow measurement, EGT/CHT instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Experience with EFI systems and ECU calibration (EFI Technology, MoTeC, Currawong, or equivalent)
- Experience with fuel system design across the full flight envelope—including altitude, attitude, and thermal effects on fuel delivery and pressure