Apera · 6 hours ago
Mechanical Design Engineer, Propulsion Integration
San Jose, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expApera is a company focused on Hybrid-Electric Aerospace and Advanced Aviation, and they are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for their propulsion integration programme. This role involves leading the design of structural elements and overseeing propulsion system integration on full-scale prototype aircraft, as well as managing the end-to-end prototype lifecycle.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Callam Llewellyn-Kiely
Responsibilities
Lead the design of structural elements and oversee propulsion system integration on full-scale prototype aircraft
Develop detailed metallic components and assemblies supporting propulsion attachment, structural interfaces, and overall system integration
Take ownership of the end-to-end prototype lifecycle including requirements definition, design, BOM creation, sourcing, assembly, and validation
Carry out structural calculations and hand analyses to validate load paths, safety margins, and interface performance
Perform finite element analysis on metallic structures and mounting systems to ensure design robustness
Engage with external suppliers to evaluate and select suitable COTS hardware such as mounts, brackets, and fastening solutions
Define and execute verification and validation test strategies, ensuring designs are proven through rigorous testing
Produce and review detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
Contribute to requirements capture, development, and traceability documentation
Manage supply chain activities and drive procurement efforts for owned hardware
Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams across multiple disciplines
Qualification
Required
5–15 years of relevant engineering experience
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
Experience integrating and/or designing flight-critical hardware attached to primary aircraft structure
Strong proficiency in CAD tools such as NX or SolidWorks, with NX preferred
Experience managing large CAD assemblies within PLM environments such as Teamcenter
Solid understanding of load analysis, free body diagrams, and FEA methodologies
Demonstrated experience designing complex metallic components and welded assemblies
Strong knowledge of GD&T and creation of manufacturing-ready drawings
Familiarity with aerospace hardware specifications and standards
Hands-on engineering experience across multiple technical domains, particularly metallic and composite structures
Clear and effective communication skills
Preferred
Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical field
Experience working with electric propulsion, powertrain systems, or broader aerospace systems
Strong understanding of full product development cycles including design phases, manufacturing, and global supply chain coordination
Experience using tools such as Jira and Confluence for project tracking and documentation
Background supporting vehicle development from early prototype phases through certification and production
Familiarity with Part 23 certification requirements and/or ARP4754A processes
Company
Apera
Apera is a first of its kind talent, engineering and consulting organisation.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase