What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Propulsion & Energy Systems Engineer position at Float?
Senior Propulsion & Energy Systems Engineer
Location: Full-time On-Site (CA)
Type: Full-Time | Founding Team Opportunity
Float is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced airship systems for large-scale cargo applications. We are focused on solving hard aerospace problems and translating ambitious concepts into real, tested hardware. Our team is small, execution-driven, and building a new airship platform from first principles.
The Role
As Senior Propulsion & Energy Systems Engineer, you will own the design and development of critical energy and propulsion-adjacent systems for Float’s airship platform. This is a hands-on, system-level role focused on safety, reliability, manufacturability, and integration.
You will take responsibility for energy-related subsystems from early architecture and trade studies through physical prototyping, testing, and iteration, working closely with the Lead Aerospace Engineer and founding team.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop energy and propulsion-related subsystems for a large-scale cargo airship
- Define system architectures that balance performance, safety, reliability, and manufacturability
- Lead trade studies and requirements definition for energy storage, distribution, and integration
- Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) decisions to support repeatable production
- Build and evaluate physical prototypes and proof-of-concept hardware
- Develop and execute system-level test plans, validation procedures, and failure analyses
- Collaborate closely with structures, aerodynamics, avionics, and manufacturing teams to ensure clean system integration
Qualifications
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field, or equivalent real-world experience
- Strong background in propulsion, energy systems, pressure systems, or complex mechanical systems
- Proven experience taking systems from concept through prototype and test
- Solid understanding of safety-critical design principles and system reliability
- Experience with CAD, system-level modeling, and engineering trade studies
- Comfortable working in fast-moving, early-stage environments with evolving requirements
- Strong engineering judgment and bias toward hands-on problem solving
Nice to Have
- Experience with hydrogen or alternative energy systems
- Background in aerospace, automotive, or industrial energy systems
- Familiarity with certification-aware or regulated design environments
- Hands-on experience building and testing mechanical or energy-related hardware
- Prior experience at an aerospace startup or skunkworks-style team
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to shape the core engineering DNA of a company redefining how cargo moves across the planet. You’ll take on meaningful responsibility early, build groundbreaking vehicles, and grow alongside a world-class team pioneering the future of sustainable air mobility.