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We last confirmed it on 2026-08-28. Similar roles are listed below.

Mach Industries

Performance Engineer at Mach Industries (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Mach Industries· San Luis Obispo, CA· $115k–$195k·

Role details

Salary
$115k–$195k
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time
Equity
Yes
Work auth
Required
Skills
NPSSEngine designAerodynamicsThermodynamicsSimulation toolsPythonCompression system mappingTurbine system mappingManufacturing processesDesign for manufacturingNXProduct design
Benefits

Equity · Health Insurance · Retirement Plans · Professional Development

Mach Industries at a glance

Builds low-cost autonomous aircraft, precision munitions, and high-altitude platforms for the U.S. military and its allies.

Mach Industries designs and manufactures next-generation asymmetric aerospace and defense systems, including unmanned strike aircraft, precision munitions, a counter-drone interceptor, and a stratospheric pseudo-satellite. Its thesis is cheap mass over exquisite few: build autonomous, expendable defense systems by the millions, and own the manufacturing and propulsion supply chain in house.

~$485M raised · latest: Series C · $300M · June 2026 · backed by Infinite Capital, Ribbit Capital, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures

Summary

The Performance Engineer guides the engine cycle model towards maturity, validates test data, and develops new engine cycles from scratch. This role involves collaborating with aerodynamic, structural, and mechanical designers to improve component performance and support high-rate, scalable manufacturing for autonom...

Job description

ABOUT MACH INDUSTRIES

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

THE ROLE

Mach Industries is searching for an experienced Cycle Analyst/Designer to guide the engine cycle model towards further maturity, validate test data and develop new engine cycles from a clean sheet. The analyst will own the cycle deck and be responsible for guidance on engine capability and improvement. They will work daily with aerodynamic, structural and mechanical designers to improve upon current designs and guide the future of the engine(s).

We are on a mission to deliver high-performance small turbine engines at scale needed by rethinking the fundamentals to enable high-rate, scalable manufacturing. This is an opportunity to shape the future of propulsion from the ground up, and it takes the best people to make that happen. We are looking for those who thrive in diverse, fast-paced, high-expectation environments and are driven to build what’s never been built before.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Improve cycle model in NPSS and develop cycle models from scratch.
  • Create analytical tools to perform basic analysis.
  • Develop tools/workflows for speeding up repetitive tasks.
  • Work with aerodynamic, structural and mechanical engineers to develop the ultimate components.
  • Develop test procedures for determining performance of components.
  • Analyze test data with simulation tools to assist in determining performance.
  • Communicate cycle results and general engine design knowledge to the team and customers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Proficiency with NPSS; 2+ years of experience using NPSS.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in a professional environment.
  • Fundamental knowledge in engine design, aerodynamics and thermodynamics.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proficient with Python.
  • Developed compression and/or turbine system maps.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturing.
  • Proficiency in NX for product design and engineering.
  • Builder mentality, you are driven to create and improve not just maintain the status quo.
  • Independent, flexible and well-spoken.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

DATA PRIVACY

TO VIEW MACH INDUSTRIES CANDIDATE DATA PRIVACY POLICY, PLEASE VISIT HTTPS://MACHINDUSTRIES.COM/PRIVACY-POLICY.

By applying for a job at Mach, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Recruiting Privacy Policy.

Why work at Mach Industries

  • Engineering-obsessed culture: Described as an "engineering-obsessed team pursuing well-guided product bets" with a focus on solving next-generation warfare challenges. machindustries.com
  • Compensation: Salary ranges from $150K - $200K for many roles; offers equity and bonuses. machindustries.com
  • High growth environment: 184 employees (113.9% YoY growth) with 83 active job postings — significant opportunity for impact and advancement. linkedin.com
  • Talent density: Colleagues from SpaceX, Anduril, Tesla, Lockheed Martin, and MIT — a high-caliber peer group. linkedin.com
  • Locations: Headquarters in Huntington Beach, CA; offices in San Francisco, CA; operations in Lithuania and the UK. linkedin.com
  • Employer Rating: 4.0/5.0 (28 reviews on LinkedIn) with strong scores for Compensation (4.0), Culture (3.9), and Career (4.1); Work-Life balance rated lower (3.1), typical for a high-growth defense startup. linkedin.com

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