Griffon Aerospace is seeking an engineer to take ownership of internal combustion systems across its UAS portfolio, with a specialty in small two-stroke engines. You will manage the full lifecycle of up to four engine platforms, from initial requirements through production sign-off, collaborating with engineering teams and contractors. The role involves ensuring engine reliability and airworthiness, including new engine development, sustaining engineering, supplier oversight, and certification support. You will work hands-on at test ranges and factory floors as well as at a desk running analysis tools.

Responsibilities

# – Lead design, analysis, and continuous improvement of two-stroke UAV engines, including fuel systems, ignition, cooling, and induction/exhaust tuning.
# – Own root-cause investigations and corrective actions for engine issues identified in test or in the field; manage engineering change requests through the full approval cycle.
# – Balance power density, fuel efficiency, weight, and reliability trade-offs specific to UAV operating envelopes and mission profiles.
# – Collaborate with airframe, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure engine integration meets platform-level requirements.
# – Provide technical support to production, field service, and customer support teams for fielded engines.
# – Develop and execute test plans for endurance, environmental, and altitude/thermal qualification of engines and components.
# – Define and track reliability metrics (MTBF, MTBUR) and failure modes across the engine fleet; drive design and process changes from test and field data.
# – Oversee bench and flight test instrumentation, data collection, and reporting for propulsion test campaigns.
# – Maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and technical data packages in compliance with applicable military and industry standards.
# – Prepare technical substantiation, test reports, and compliance evidence for customer and regulatory review.
# – Identify, qualify, and manage engine and component suppliers, including source inspections and incoming quality requirements.
# – Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and work with vendors to resolve quality, cost, and schedule issues.
# – Support make/buy decisions and second-source strategies to reduce supply chain risk for critical engine components.

Requirements

# – Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
# – 7+ years of experience in internal combustion engine design, development, or sustaining engineering, with direct hands-on experience with two-stroke engines.
# – Demonstrated experience taking an engine or engine component through a qualification or certification process.
# – Experience managing suppliers or vendors for critical mechanical components.
# – Working knowledge of reliability engineering principles (FMEA, root-cause analysis, MTBF/MTBUR).
# – Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent) and engineering documentation/PLM systems.
# – Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and customer-facing documentation.
# – U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Nice to have

# – Experience with UAV/UAS propulsion systems or other small, high-cycle, weight-constrained engine applications.
# – Familiarity with military airworthiness or certification standards (e.g., MIL-HDBK-516, AS9100 quality systems).
# – Experience with engine test cell design, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
# – Background supporting DoD or government aerospace programs.
# – Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match
Paid time off and 11 federal holidays
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
A small company where your decisions matter and your fingerprints are on real hardware flying real missions

UAS Combustion Engine Systems

Responsibilities

Requirements

Nice to have

Benefits