Job Details

Job DescriptionJob Description

About the Company

Our client is reinventing supersonic aircraft by innovating on engine, airframe, and systems that industry hasn't in over 50 years. Their electric combined cycle engine—the world's first jet engine engineered for efficiency from takeoff to Mach 3+—lays the foundation for a new operational paradigm: an affordable, point-to-point global travel network that will make on-demand, high-speed air transport the new standard.

They are a team of hardcore engineers who live and breathe aerospace. Generalists with deep subject-matter expertise, they operate in a flat organizational structure and move fast to build world-changing technology. The culture is pragmatic, competent, and centered on execution.

This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors. More company details will be shared during an initial call.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Compressor Expert to provide deep technical insight into the aerodynamic performance of their propulsion system's compressor section. You bring expertise in compressor aerodynamics, with experience analyzing, modeling, and interpreting data from axial compressors in high-performance engines.

You excel at applying fluid dynamics and thermodynamics principles to assess performance, stability, and efficiency, and can translate complex simulations and test results into clear engineering recommendations. You thrive in a collaborative environment—supporting design and test teams with rigorous analysis that guides decision-making.

Your contributions will directly shape the performance envelope of the world's first turboelectric adaptive jet engine.

Responsibilities

• Own the aerodynamic and mechanical analysis of axial compressor stages from clean-sheet to flight-ready hardware

• Run compressor design trade studies across a wide operating envelope, balancing performance, operability, and structural integrity

• Validate compressor design through test campaign execution, selection, and placement of instrumentation for performance calculations and spectral analysis

• Analyze test data and integrate findings into system-level performance models and next-gen hardware design cycles

• Develop, validate, and iterate computational models using StarCCM+, AxSTREAM, and other in-house tools

• Utilize propulsion cycle models (GasTurb, NPSS) to predict engine performance from compressor maps

• Influence the broader propulsion and aircraft system architecture with innovative compressor design solutions

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required; advanced degree (Master's or PhD)

• 7+ years of experience in axial compressor design, with a focus on high mass flowrate compressors and advanced fan systems

• Proven track record of blade geometry development using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods

• Familiarity with test instrumentation, data reduction, and anchoring analysis with experimental results

• Deep understanding of propulsion system integration, thermodynamics, rotordynamics, and turbomachinery

• Demonstrated history of innovation, technical authorship, and real-world test experience

• Skilled in engine cycle modeling tools (GasTurb, NPSS) and scripting tools (Python, Matlab) for analysis automation and data processing

• Proficient in multiphysics analysis

• Effective communicator capable of leading cross-functional design reviews and contributing to system architecture discussions

• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment

• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality and ownership in all work

*The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Additional Information

• Our client values in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen their company culture. They consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

• Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
  

ITAR Requirement

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. , lawful permanent of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
  
  

Benefit Highlights

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

• Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and company swag

Cash compensation of $180,000 - $220,000. Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world's leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it's all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what's never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn't a perfect fit, it's likely we'll have something relevant to share with you in the future.

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profile

CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Website