Propulsion Engineer

Job Title: Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

The Propulsion Engineer designs, tunes, and validates real-time propulsion models for a wide range of aircraft engines, including turbofan, turbojet, turboprop, piston, and rocket systems. This role focuses on building high-fidelity, physics-based simulations that accurately reflect engine and aircraft behavior across the full flight envelope, and integrating those models into flight dynamics and training simulator platforms. The position is initially an individual contributor role with strong potential to grow into technical leadership and project management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, tune, and validate real-time propulsion models for turbofan, turbojet, turboprop, piston, and rocket engines as programs require.
• Model engine control and accessory systems, including FADEC, fuel control units (FCU), propeller governors, starters, bleed air, anti-ice systems, and engine indication.
• Analyze and reduce flight test and engine test data into model parameters, ensuring model responses match recorded aircraft data across the flight envelope.
• Ensure accurate modeling of engine behavior during starts, accelerations, decelerations, reverse thrust, shutdowns, and failure conditions.
• Define propulsion data requirements for flight test campaigns and support data collection activities on the aircraft.
• Integrate propulsion models with aircraft flight dynamics models and simulator systems, and support flight simulator training device qualification activities.
• Develop and implement engine malfunction and abnormal condition models to support realistic training scenarios.
• Collaborate closely with aerospace engineers and software developers across multiple concurrent simulation programs.
• Serve as the technical authority for propulsion modeling, review propulsion model work products, and mentor other engineers in best practices.
• Contribute to mechanical and systems engineering analysis related to propulsion and aircraft simulation.
• Support continuous improvement of modeling methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance simulation fidelity and performance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in propulsion, engine performance, engine modeling, or aircraft simulation.
• Working knowledge of gas turbine performance, including thermodynamic cycle behavior, component maps, and engine dynamics.
• Strong understanding of turboprop and propeller behavior and their integration with aircraft systems.
• Experience developing and validating physics-based simulation models against flight test and engine test data.
• Solid understanding of aircraft systems and flight dynamics and how propulsion interacts with overall aircraft performance.
• Programming experience with C and/or C++ and/or Python for simulation model development and integration.
• Background in propulsion systems, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering.
• Ability to perform mechanical design and analytical tasks related to propulsion modeling.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment and contribute to cross-functional project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Flight Simulator Training Device (FSTD) qualification under FAA Part 60 or EASA CS-FSTD.
• Familiarity with engine OEM performance decks and data packages and their application to simulation models.
• Experience with piston or rocket propulsion systems and associated modeling techniques.
• Flight test experience, including defining data requirements and supporting data collection on aircraft.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Interest in growing into technical leadership roles, including serving as a subject matter expert in propulsion modeling.
• Interest in developing project management skills and taking on project leadership responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This role operates within a small, highly collaborative engineering organization of approximately 23 employees, offering significant visibility and impact. Typical project teams consist of about five people, including around two programmers and a majority of aerospace engineers, creating a focused environment for high-fidelity simulation development. The Propulsion Engineer reports to a Project Manager and works closely with multidisciplinary team members across multiple concurrent simulation programs. Depending on experience, the current propulsion specialist on the team may eventually report to this hire, providing a clear path toward technical leadership. The culture emphasizes growth potential, technical excellence, and close collaboration, with opportunities to influence simulation architectures, contribute to flight simulator qualification efforts, and shape future propulsion modeling capabilities.

Interested? Questions? Book time with Recruiter Sophia Fontana using this link: https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/OhUyEyl5

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $76.92/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hampton, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.