---
title: 'Senior Rotordynamics Engineer at Astro Mechanica'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-rotordynamics-engineer-astro-mechanica-san-francisco-4fm6s9q4yjg1'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Senior Rotordynamics Engineer at Astro Mechanica

- **Company:** Astro Mechanica
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Compensation:** $150k–$225k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-09-10
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/astro-mechanica/250cde10-a3df-4c1c-8a12-7b9f8e1a0183

## Job description

## ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

## WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

## WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is looking for a Senior Rotordynamics Engineer with the knowledge and skill to refine the development of our terrestrial and aviation turbomachinery through your understanding of the detailed physical processes that happen within them. Your experience may be rooted in ground-power, aviation, or space-based applications. You understand the physical behavior of rotating systems as deeply on paper as you do at the test stand, and you’ve built the analytical models to prove it.

## WHAT YOU’LL DO:

- Lead rotordynamic analysis of turbomachinery systems, including critical speed prediction, stability margins, imbalance response, torsional analysis, modal analysis, and Campbell diagram development
- Bearing selection, preload definition, stiffness and damping trade studies, thermal management and lubrication system
- Define and execute test campaigns instrumented specifically for rotordynamic validation
- Develop and iterate computational models (StarCCM+, AxSTREAM) with rotordynamic constraints in mind
- Utilize propulsion cycle models (GasTurb, NPSS) to assess how compressor maps and mechanical behavior interact under dynamic loading conditions
- Define GD&T for rotating assemblies through tolerance analysis, considering the effects on rotor balance, seal clearances, and dynamic behavior
- Partner with manufacturing to ensure production of high-precision rotating components with balance grades, runout tolerances, and assembly sequence in mind

## WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

- 5+ years in turbomachinery design with demonstrated rotordynamic analysis and mechanical packaging ownership on real hardware
- Hands-on experience with rotordynamic modelling tools (DyRoBes or equivalent)
- Experience with blade and compressor geometry development using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods (StarCCM+, AxStream)
- Experience with test instrumentation and data reduction specifically for mechanical validation (vibration, whirl, and rotor response)
- Experience with propulsion cycle tools (GasTurb, NPSS) and how compressor mechanical behavior couples to cycle performance
- Proficient in CAD for rotating assemblies (Siemens NX) and multiphysics analysis
- Experience with scripting for analysis automation and post-processing (Python, MATLAB)
- Effective communicator capable of leading cross-functional design reviews and contributing to system architecture discussions

## PERKS & BENEFITS:

- 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

## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role. Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

## About Astro Mechanica

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Astro Mechanica is building the world’s first turboelectric adaptive jet engine (Duality) that achieves high efficiency across both subsonic and supersonic speeds, aiming to democratize high-speed flight.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Venture-backed; latest round: Series A-II / Venture Round in September 2025)
- **Headquarters**: San Francisco, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Ian Brooke (CEO & Founder)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace, aviation propulsion, defense systems
- **Target customers**: US government (military and defense applications), commercial aviation (long-term), cargo/logistics
- **Mission/purpose**: “Democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable” – developing rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility.

## Products & Services
- **Duality™ Propulsion System**: A proprietary dual-use turboelectric adaptive jet engine designed to be efficient at all speeds from subsonic to supersonic. Currently in development and expected to begin altitude testing in 2027 on a dedicated testbed aircraft.
- **Airframe & Flight Systems**: Vertically integrated design of airframes and flight control systems optimized for the Duality engine, with near-term focus on government contracts.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding raised – **$54.7 million** as of the latest venture round in September 2025 (LinkedIn data; earlier reports by CBInsights indicated $27.6 million, likely reflecting a prior round)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: United Airlines Ventures (lead investor in latest round), Andreessen Horowitz, Giant Step Capital, Y Combinator (seed)
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew **228.6% year-over-year** to ~35 employees; **36 active job postings** as of mid-2025; rapid hiring across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership roles; moving toward engine flight test in 2027.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique engine architecture**: The turboelectric adaptive design allows a single engine to operate efficiently from subsonic to supersonic regimes, removing the need for afterburners or separate engines.
- **Vertical integration**: In-house engine, airframe, and flight systems development enables tight optimization and rapid iteration.
- **Flat engineering culture**: Described as “generalists with specialist depth” and a flat structure that accelerates decision-making and innovation.

## Strategic Focus
- **Near-term**: Engine altitude testing (scheduled for 2027) and securing US government contracts for high-speed systems.
- **Long-term**: Develop a full aircraft platform and operational model for economically viable supersonic commercial travel.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasis on engineering excellence, pragmatism, and moving fast. Flat hierarchy where “engineering speaks louder than hierarchy.”
- **Work policy**: Hybrid environment – most roles are based in San Francisco with a mix of in-office and remote collaboration. The majority of job listings specify “In-Office” at the HQ.
- **Notable perks**: Not explicitly listed, but the company offers equity (typical for startups) and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking aerospace technology from concept to flight.
- **Engineering focus**: Strong technical team with talent from SpaceX, Relativity Space, Boom Supersonic, Lockheed Martin, and Astra. Active hiring in propulsion, flight software, GNC, test engineering, and manufacturing.

## Sources
1. [astromecha.co](https://www.astromecha.co/)
2. [astromecha.co/careers](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/astro-mechanica)
3. [linkedin.com/company/astro-mechanica](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astro-mechanica)
4. [cbinsights.com/company/astro-mechanica](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/astro-mechanica)
5. [builtin.com/company/astro-mechanica](https://builtin.com/company/astro-mechanica)

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