Propulsion Engineering Technician
Mach Industries · San Luis Obispo, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Mach Industries (aerospace & defense) in San Luis Obispo, CA. You will be instrumental in building, operating, and testing propulsion systems that ensure the United States maintains its strategic advantage in modern warfare.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $114k–$167k.
Median of the low and high ends of 117 live postings that list pay, out of 320 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 319 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $111k–$157k, from 105 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 53%
- New product launch 51%
- Root cause 40%
- Automation 35%
- Machining 29%
- CATIA / NX 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
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- What does a normal week look like on your team?
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This plant: Mach Industries in San Luis Obispo
No other open roles at this site right now · 7 people we found in manufacturing roles at Mach Industries.
Full description from Mach IndustriesAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
The Role
Mach Industries is seeking a Propulsion Engineering Technician to support the calibration and testing of advanced small engine systems for the next generation of airborne defense platforms. As a Propulsion Engineering Technician, you will be instrumental in building, operating, and testing propulsion systems that ensure the United States maintains its strategic advantage in modern warfare. Your hands-on expertise will contribute to the development of high-performance, scalable engines that power autonomous defense platforms.
Mach Propulsion is redefining the small turbine engine—designing for high-rate production, scalability, modularity, and adaptability to help the United States maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving defense landscape. This is a chance to shape a new kind of propulsion company, one built around modern, automated manufacturing to deliver capable engines at meaningful volumes. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to create high-performance, manufacturable systems that meet demanding mission requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Build, operate, and maintain test systems and infrastructure including test cells and instrumentation packages.
Perform engine performance testing and calibration.
Build and rebuild prototype engines for development testing.
Execute verification and validation test plans of engines and related systems.
Collaborate with propulsion engineers and test teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize system performance.
Maintain detailed records of test setups, procedures, and results to support engineering analysis.
Support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges as needed to meet project objectives.
Required Qualifications
5 years in related aerospace maintenance or development support role, A&P certificate preferred. Direct engine experience required, aerospace piston or turbine preferred.
Multi-talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.
Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and iteration of mechanical systems.
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, self-motivated to create solutions.
Willing to support short-term off-site testing at various test ranges.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with small turbine engines or aerospace propulsion systems in a testing or maintenance capacity.
Familiarity with test cell operations, instrumentation setup, and engine calibration techniques.
A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification or equivalent hands-on aerospace training.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering instructions.
Experience supporting flight test campaigns or aerospace development programs.
Additional
Requirements
- ✓Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
ITAR
Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Pay Range
$35 — $48 USD
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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.
