Joblaze summary

The Senior Propulsion Component Engineer at Amca is responsible for designing propulsion control hardware, including valves and actuators, from initial concept through to qualification. This role requires expertise in fluid dynamics and practical hardware design, utilizing tools like 3D CAD and CFD software. Ideal candidates have over five years of experience in aerospace or defense, with a strong background in propulsion systems and fluid power hardware. The position involves collaboration across teams and mentoring junior engineers, contributing to critical aerospace and military projects.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 28, 2026. Last confirmed on Amca's careers page November 13, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
Starts above 61% of 23 comparable senior other roles in United States that list CAD we track (median $140,000 across 10 companies).
CAD appears in 2% of 2726 comparable senior other roles in United States; CFD appears in 0.4% of 2726 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Senior Propulsion Component Engineer role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, CA.
What's the salary range?: Amca lists $150,000–$250,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Propulsion Component Engineer role.
Where is the role based?: Amca is hiring for this position in El Segundo, CA.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ANSYS Fluent, CAD, CFD, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, hydraulics, pneumatics.
What seniority level is this role?: Amca targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Propulsion Component Engineer role at Amca.

From the original posting

There was a time when all of America believed that the future of the physical world could be radically different. The engineers of the mid-1900s put a man on the moon in eight years, designed and built planes and submarines from scratch in under three, and conceived of building things we wouldn’t even be able to dream up today.

Overview

The Senior Propulsion Component Engineer owns the design of Amca's propulsion control hardware, taking components and assemblies from concept through qualification. You will lead the design of valves, regulators, actuators, pumps, and manifolds for hydraulic and pneumatic systems in demanding aerospace and defense environments. This is a hands-on design role for an engineer who can pair strong fluid dynamics fundamentals with practical, manufacturable hardware design.

Responsibilities

Design and Analysis

Lead the design of propulsion components and assemblies, including valves, regulators, servovalves, actuators, pumps, and manifolds.
Perform hydraulic and pneumatic analysis covering flow, pressure drop, response, and thermal behavior across the operating envelope.
Develop analytical and CFD models to predict performance, size components, and guide design decisions.
Select materials, seals, and surface treatments for fluid compatibility, pressure, temperature, and contamination requirements.

Documentation and Data Packages

Produce detailed CAD models and GD&T-controlled drawings suitable for production.
Author design requirements, interface control documents, and complete technical data packages.
Maintain design records and support configuration management through the product lifecycle.

Qualification and Cross-functional Support

Partner with test, manufacturing, and supply chain teams from build through qualification.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action on design and field issues.
Review the work of junior engineers and mentor them on fluid design methods and standards.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years designing propulsion systems or fluid power hardware in aerospace, defense, or a comparable high-reliability industry.
Strong command of propulsion components, hydraulics, and pneumatics fundamentals.
Proficiency in 3D CAD (Creo, SolidWorks, or NX) and GD&T.
Demonstrated ability to carry a design from requirements through qualification.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Experience with CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent or Simcenter STAR-CCM+.
Experience with servo valves, aerospace actuation, or high-pressure fluid systems.
Familiarity with DO-160 environmental qualification and relevant MIL-STD requirements.
Experience working across multiple manufacturing sites or factories.

Annual Salary Range

$150,000—$250,000 USD

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a US person as: any individual who is granted U.S. citizenship; or. any individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence ("Green Card" holder); or. any individual who is granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3).

Standard company text repeated across Amca's postings is omitted here.

Senior Propulsion Component Engineer

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