Join our rapidly growing rocket propulsion company and play a critical role in developing, building, and testing next-generation propulsion systems. As a Principal Test Engineer , you will lead the assembly, instrumentation, and execution of propulsion test campaigns, working alongside a highly collaborative engineering team to take hardware from concept to hot fire. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on flight-critical hardware in a fast-paced startup environment where innovation, ownership, and execution are valued.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the assembly, integration, and testing of rocket propulsion hardware and development test articles.
- Design and build test fixtures, stands, mounts, launchers, and ground support equipment.
- Integrate and troubleshoot instrumentation, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, and other test sensors.
- Configure, calibrate, and operate high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) systems to capture critical engine performance data.
- Develop detailed test plans, procedures, hazard analyses, and post-test reports.
- Execute component, subsystem, and full-scale propulsion tests, including static-fire campaigns.
- Analyze test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause investigations, and recommend design improvements.
- Partner closely with propulsion, design, manufacturing, and systems engineers to rapidly iterate and mature hardware.
- Continuously improve test infrastructure, processes, and safety practices to increase testing efficiency and reliability.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience testing rocket propulsion, missile systems, or other high-performance aerospace hardware.
- Experience with propulsion test operations, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
- Strong fabrication, assembly, machining, and troubleshooting skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with shifting priorities and aggressive development schedules.
- Ability to safely execute hazardous test operations while maintaining a strong safety culture.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with liquid or solid rocket propulsion systems.
- Experience planning and executing static-fire or hot-fire test campaigns.
- Familiarity with blowdown systems, pressurized fluid systems, and ground support equipment.
- Experience with telemetry and high-speed data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency with National Instruments (NI), Kulite, LabVIEW, or similar DAQ and instrumentation platforms.
- Experience developing automated test systems and real-time data monitoring.
- Previous experience supporting launch vehicle, missile, hypersonic, or space propulsion programs.