Co-Founder / CTO — Combustion (PhD) — Gas Turbines / Aeroengines
Location
: India (Hybrid & remote-friendly, occasional travel for meetings / workshops)
Commitment:
Full-time; unpaid for the first 4–6 months until concept validation & funding (VC or government grant). Equity + long-term compensation to be negotiated.
Start:
Immediate / by mutual agreement
About Us:
We are Kuruba Aerospace — an early-stage deep-technology startup building an efficient, ultra-low-emission jet propulsion system based on a Advanced Hybrid Combustor concept (Flameless ignition+ Flexi-pluse Fuel nozzle + advanced thermal coatings) and Pressure Gain combustion PGC. Our mission is to enable cleaner, faster, efficient and more affordable aviation while strengthening domestic defense and aerospace capabilities. You’ll join a small, highly driven founding team working at the intersection of combustion science, CFD, and turbomachinery.
The Role — Why this matters:
As Co-Founder / CTO you will own the technical vision and lead R&D from concept to prototype. This is a unique chance to co-found a company, shape product direction, and lead technology that could change aviation propulsion and national defense capability. You will lead simulation, design, experiments, IP strategy and technical fundraising — carrying the technical responsibility as we validate the concept and pursue VC / government grants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and execute R&D for the Hybrid Flameless Combustor and integration into gas turbine / aero engine systems.
- Lead CFD and CAD design efforts (OpenFOAM is mandatory), set up high-fidelity simulations, validation plans, and optimisation loops.
- Design experiments, plan prototypes, and direct hands-on testing where required (lab or partner facilities).
- Translate simulation results into manufacturable designs; drive drawings, tolerance specs, and BOM with CAD tools.
- Lead technical documentation, research papers, patent filings, and regulatory / grant proposal writing.
- Build and lead a small technical team — mentor engineers, delegate tasks, and manage milestones.
- Represent the company in technical meetings with potential partners (OEMs), labs, investors, and government agencies (DRDO, HAL, etc.).
- Manage timelines, risk assessment, and technical due diligence during fundraising.
- Be hands-on — you’ll simulate, prototype, test, and iterate.
Required Qualifications & Experience (must):
1. PhD in Combustion, and Master's in Propulsion, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field.2. At least 3 years while or post-PhD experience working specifically on gas turbine or aeroengine combustion (industry, research lab, or military program).3. Demonstrated hands-on experience with OpenFOAM — setting up, running, and validating complex combusting flow cases (mandatory).4. Proficiency in CAD (parametric modelling) and experience with at least one CAD tool (ability to produce manufacturable geometry).5. Strong track record in CFD workflows for reacting flows — meshing, solver setup, turbulence/combustion models, post-processing, and verification/validation.6. Proven problem-solving and technical leadership — has led projects, supervised students/engineers, or led R&D efforts.7. Strong oral and written communication skills — able to write proposals, produce technical reports, present to non-technical stakeholders and investors.8. Comfortable with early-stage startup conditions: limited resources, fast iteration, and high ownership.9. Willing and able to commit full time, unpaid for the initial 4–6 months while the concept is validated and funding is secured. Prepared to invest personal time and, if appropriate, funds into the company as a co-founder.
Preferred / Nice-to-have
- Experience with experimental combustor testing and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, emissions measurement).
- Familiarity with turbomachinery integration, engine control systems, or MRO practices for industrial gas turbines.
- Prior experience writing successful grant proposals (government R&D agencies) or interacting with defense labs/OEMs.
- Publications or patents in combustion/propulsion.
- Experience with optimization tools, uncertainty quantification, or multi-physics simulations.
What We Offer / Benefits
- Co-founder equity & leadership role — significant, negotiable stake aligned with responsibility.
- Opportunity to lead development of a breakthrough propulsion technology with high societal & defense impact.
- Ownership of technical roadmap, hiring, and building the R&D lab stack.
- Direct involvement in fundraising, government proposals (DRDO/HAL), and commercialization strategy.
- Freedom to publish and patent; visibility in academic & industry circles.
- Collaborative, mission-driven founding team and close mentor access for fundraising and commercialization support.
- Long-term financial upside once funded (equity, salary, performance incentives).
Our Mission & Values
- Mission: Develop efficient, ultra low-emission propulsion systems that reduce operational cost and emissions while strengthening national aerospace capabilities.
- Values: Technical rigor, ownership, transparency, relentless iteration, open scientific collaboration, and social impact.
- Why join: If you want to do world-class applied research that leaves the academic ivory tower and ships real hardware, leads teams, and builds a company from the ground up — this is that rare opportunity.
How to Apply:
Please send to: founder@kuruba-aero.in,pa905rt@gmail.comInclude:1. CV (emphasize relevant combustion & gas turbine work).2. Short cover letter explaining: your motivation to join as co-founder/CTO, availability, and willingness to work unpaid for 4–6 months.3. Links to: GitHub / OpenFOAM cases, CFD scripts, CAD samples, research publications, patents (if any).4. Two references (academic or industry) who can speak to your technical leadership (if possible).5. Optional: 1-page outline of how you would validate the A Hybrid Combustor within 4–6 months (very valuable).
