Propulsion Test Technician
Destinus
Propulsion Test Technician
Destinus
European defense firm manufacturing missiles
Destinus · Payerne, Switzerland · — · Posted 2026-10-08
Workplace: on_site
Department: R&D & Engineering
The Destinus engineering team is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support the preparation, assembly, operation, and maintenance of propulsion test activities at our Payerne test facility.
Working directly alongside propulsion test engineers, you will be responsible for the hands-on readiness of test benches, ground support equipment, and instrumentation – ensuring that every test is set up correctly, runs safely, and that the facility stays operational between campaigns.
What You’ll Do
· Prepare test benches, ground support equipment (GSE), and instrumentation for propulsion and pyrotechnic test campaigns – mechanical assembly, connections, and pre-test checks
· Assemble rocket motors and pyrotechnic devices onto test rigs following assembly procedures, travellers, and safety protocols
· Support test operations: monitor systems during test runs, operate ground support equipment, and assist test engineers throughout the campaign
· Perform post-test teardown, inspection, and data collection; document findings and flag anomalies
· Carry out scheduled and corrective maintenance of test benches, GSE, and facility equipment; maintain maintenance logs and flag items requiring engineering review
· Manage test bench operability: track the status of equipment, calibration, and facility systems; ensure readiness ahead of each test campaign
· Handle and store energetic test articles, propellants, and pyrotechnic devices in compliance with applicable safety protocols and site procedures
· Maintain a safe, organized test facility in line with regulations, site safety rules, and internal procedures
What You’ll Need
· Vocational training as a Polymechaniker/in, mechanic, or equivalent hands-on technical qualification
· Several years of experience in a technical support, test operations, or maintenance role in an industrial, aerospace, or defence environment
· Comfortable with mechanical assembly, fluid systems, and instrumentation connections in a test environment
· Experience with test bench or GSE maintenance; familiarity with calibration and functional check procedures
· Ability to read and follow assembly procedures, test plans, and work instructions accurately
· Experience handling energetic, pyrotechnic, or otherwise hazardous materials is a strong advantage
· Methodical and safety-conscious – someone who does not take shortcuts in a safety-critical test environment
· Fluent in English; French and/or German is a strong advantage given the Payerne site
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Destinus designs and manufactures defense systems for European and allied armed forces, focusing on scalable missiles, air defense, and interception. Key products include the Ruta cruise missile and the HORNET interceptor, which can perform precision strikes and operate in GPS-denied environments with AI-assisted guidance. It serves as a prime contractor under fixed-price contracts, and collaborates on naval applications (containerized HORNET) with Rheinmetall while leading the Bliksem EXO program for Europe’s sovereign exo-atmospheric missile defense. The company aims to scale production to deliver near-term military capability for European governments and to build sovereign defense capabilities through integrated, multi-domain, cost-effective technologies.
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