Senior Operational Performance Engineer, Performance Tracking & Evidence Strategy

What the role needs

• Own vehicle-level performance tracking from conceptual design through production, maintaining a continuous picture of predicted performance, measured performance, and the deltas between them as the vehicle matures.
• Own vehicle-level uncertainty tracking, quantifying confidence in each performance claim, prioritizing the highest-consequence unknowns, and driving them toward closure.
• Lead vehicle performance assessment and evidence planning across the development lifecycle, scaling rigor from early demonstrators through production commitments.
• Translate performance objectives, requirements, and engineering risks into analysis plans, measurement requirements, data quality needs, and success criteria.
• Define what must be measured, under what conditions, and to what confidence to produce the required evidence, and recommend tests to Flight Test and discipline teams accordingly.
• Establish pre-test predictions and uncertainty expectations, then assess ground and flight test results against those benchmarks to determine what has been learned and what remains open.
• Partner with Flight Test and discipline teams to make data requirements practical and achievable, explaining engineering intent and prioritizing needs.
• Partner with MDAO and Conceptual Design to feed model correlation results, validated data, and prediction-accuracy trends back into design and sizing tools, improving fidelity and reducing uncertainty on future vehicles.
• Communicate vehicle performance state, open uncertainties, evidence status, and risk-informed recommendations to Vehicle Leads, engineering teams, and program stakeholders.
• Build and maintain reusable methods and automated workflows for performance tracking, assessment, model correlation, and reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle performance assessment, flight test analysis, test engineering, experimental engineering, or a closely related discipline.

From the employer

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. The Role Mach Industries is seeking a Senior Operational Performance Engineer to track vehicle performance and uncertainty from conceptual design through production and to lead the evidence strategy that closes the gaps. You will maintain the vehicle-level picture of predicted performance, measured performance, and the confidence each claim deserves. You will define the engineering questions that matter most, determine what analysis and test evidence is needed to answer them, and drive measured-data insights back into the conceptual design and MDAO tools that generate the next prediction. This is a vehicle-level engineering role. You will work across Conceptual Design, MDAO, GNC, Propulsion, Mechanical, Flight Test, and other engineering teams to track performance, identify risks, define evidence requirements, establish assessment criteria, and drive uncertainties toward closure. You will work closely with the Mass Properties and Vehicle Performance engineer, whose records and baselines feed your tracking and assessment work. This role is part of Operational Performance within Mach's Vehicle Design and Performance organization, alongside Conceptual Design and MDAO. Conceptual Design creates, MDAO enables, and Operational Performance assesses and closes the loop. The ideal candidate combines broad vehicle knowledge with strong experimental judgment and a track record of independently defining what a program needs to learn and influencing how it gets there. Key Responsibilities Own vehicle-level performance tracking from conceptual design through production, maintaining a continuous picture of predicted performance, measured performance, and the deltas between them as the vehicle matures. Own vehicle-level uncertainty tracking, quantifying confidence in each performance claim, prioritizing the highest-consequence unknowns, and driving them toward closure. Lead vehicle performance assessment and evidence planning across the development lifecycle, scaling rigor from early demonstrators through production commitments. Translate performance objectives, requirements, and engineering risks into analysis plans, measurement requirements, data quality needs, and success criteria. Define what must be measured, under what conditions, and to what confidence to produce the required evidence, and recommend tests to Flight Test and discipline teams accordingly. Establish pre-test predictions and uncertainty expectations, then assess ground and flight test results against those benchmarks to determine what has been learned and what remains open. Partner with Flight Test and discipline teams to make data requirements practical and achievable, explaining engineering intent and prioritizing needs. Partner with MDAO and Conceptual Design to feed model correlation results, validated data, and prediction-accuracy trends back into design and sizing tools, improving fidelity and reducing uncertainty on future vehicles. Communicate vehicle performance state, open uncertainties, evidence status, and risk-informed recommendations to Vehicle Leads, engineering teams, and program stakeholders. Build and maintain reusable methods and automated workflows for performance tracking, assessment, model correlation, and reporting. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. 5+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle performance assessment, flight test analysis, test engineering, experimental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated ownership of performance tracking, evidence strategy, or model correlation for complex aerospace vehicles or physical systems. Experience maintaining a vehicle- or system-level performance picture over time, including tracking predicted-versus-measured deltas and confidence as a design matures. Strong understanding of vehicle performance and the interactions among mass properties, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, power, controls, and vehicle configuration. Experience assessing experimental, ground test, or flight test data against performance predictions or engineering models. Experience using Python, Julia, MATLAB, or similar tools for technical analysis and data processing. Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines. Ability to communicate technical findings, risks, assumptions, and recommendations clearly to engineering teams and program stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Experience with aircraft, UAS, missiles, rockets, or other aerospace vehicles through flight test or operational assessment. Experience with flight test instrumentation, telemetry, test planning, or experimental design. Experience mentoring engineers in performance assessment methods, evidence standards, or uncertainty management. Experience building automated data-processing, analysis, or validation workflows. Familiarity with conceptual design, vehicle sizing, MDAO, or multidisciplinary vehicle analysis, including experience feeding test-derived corrections back into design tools or models. This role determines how Mach knows whether its vehicles are performing as intended and ensures that every test makes the next design better. Your tracking and evidence strategy will connect predictions to measurements and drive the resulting insights back into the tools that shape Mach's next vehicle. 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 . Senior Engineer $155,000 — $195,000 USD At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends. Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy: Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location. Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel. Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company. Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office. Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth. Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect. By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success. Data Privacy To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy . Disclosures This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!