Venus Aerospace

Develops hypersonic propulsion for terrestrial transport

Test Engineer

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeHouston, TX, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or at least seven years of relevant hands-on test experience in lieu of a degree.
At least three years of experience in fluid systems, test stand design, or test engineering.
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals, with hands-on experience in high-pressure and cryogenic system environments.
Experience writing test-operation procedures, including procedures for loading propellant tanks, preparing for engine hot fires, and putting test stands into a safe configuration.
Experience analyzing data gathered from test stand instrumentation to make decisions about test stand issues or upgrades.
Experience designing mechanical hardware, including computer-aided design (CAD) work and structural and thermal analysis.
Experience designing and integrating fluid-system hardware, including high-pressure tubing, pipe, vacuum-jacketed tubing, flex hoses, NPT, compression and 37-degree flared fittings, pressure and backpressure regulators, ball, needle, check, butterfly and solenoid valves, burst discs, relief valves, variable-frequency drives, AC/DC motors, positive-displacement and centrifugal pumps, stored-energy K-bottles, and compressor systems.
Working knowledge of instrumentation systems, including absolute, gauge and differential pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, high-speed accelerometers, load cells, strain-gauge-based sensors, flowmeters, mechanical limit switches, and power supplies.
Demonstrated experience developing, updating, and maintaining Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and associated test documentation for technical accuracy and alignment with engineering requirements.
Willingness and physical capability to support hands-on test operations outdoors, lift up to 40 pounds, and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Must meet U.S. export-control/ITAR requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required authorization.

Responsibilities

Develop test concepts and lead them through design, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support.
Design and analyze mechanical and fluid systems for propulsion and structural testing.
Generate and revise P&IDs for new and existing test stands and modify supporting structures to meet evolving test requirements.
Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.
Write detailed test procedures for new system testing and calibrate existing systems.
Review and analyze test data to identify anomalies, performance trends, and improvement opportunities.
Support assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test systems.
Collaborate cross-functionally during live test operations to ensure safe and successful execution.
Provide hands-on field support for fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.
Provide support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.

Desired Qualifications

At least five years of experience in a hardware testing environment.
At least five years of CAD modeling experience.
At least five years of fluid-system design experience.
Background in metal fabrication.
Familiarity with hand tools and shop environments.
Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, DIAdem, Confluence, Jira, and Microsoft Office Suite or similar platforms.
Experience with high-speed or transient data acquisition systems.
Experience working in cryogenic or high-temperature test environments.
Experience supporting hazardous test operations.
Strong cross-functional communication during live test campaigns.

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Test EngineerAs a Test Engineer, you will play a key role on a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing test concepts for hardware and bringing those concepts to life. You will be accountable for the design, analysis, development, fabrication, and maintenance of test equipment used across a wide range of applications—from rocket engines to structural airframe components.

If you’re excited by solving complex, real-world problems and want to see your work directly enable cutting-edge aerospace hardware, this role offers a rare opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact. Join a team with backgrounds ranging from major aerospace firms and chemical plants to government organizations and small, hands-on shops, all driven by ownership, innovation, and technical excellence.

What You’ll Get To Do

Develop test concepts and lead them through design, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support.

Design and analyze mechanical and fluid systems for propulsion and structural testing.

Generate and revise piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new and existing test stands and modify supporting structures to meet evolving test requirements.

Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.

Author detailed test procedures for new system testing and calibration of existing systems.

Review and analyze test data to identify anomalies, performance trends, and improvement opportunities.

Support assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test systems.

Collaborate cross-functionally during live test operations to ensure safe and successful execution.

Work hands-on in the field to support fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.

Provide support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.

What You Have

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline

3+ years of experience in fluid systems, test stand design, or test engineering; in lieu of a degree, 7+ years of relevant hands-on test experience required

Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals, with hands-on experience working in high-pressure and cryogenic system environments

Experience writing procedures for test operations, including loading propellant tanks, preparing for engine hot fires, getting the test stand into a safe configuration, etc.

Experience with analyzing data gathered from test stand instrumentation to make decisions on test stand issues or upgrades

Experience with designing mechanical hardware, including CAD work and structural/thermal analysis

Experience designing and integrating fluid system hardware, including: High-pressure tubing, pipe, vacuum-jacketed (VJ) tubing, and flex hoses; NPT, compression, and 37° flared fittings; Pressure regulators and backpressure regulators; Ball, needle, check, butterfly, and solenoid valves; Safety devices such as burst discs and relief valves; VFDs, AC/DC motors; Positive displacement and centrifugal pumps; Stored energy K-bottles and compressor systems

Working knowledge of instrumentation systems, including: Absolute, gauge, and differential pressure transducers; Thermocouples and RTDs; High-speed accelerometers; Load cells and strain-gauge–based sensors; Flowmeters; Mechanical limit switches; Power supplies

Demonstrated experience developing, updating, and maintaining Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and associated test documentation to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with engineering requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional team environments

Willingness and physical capability to support hands-on test operations, including working outdoors, lifting up to 40 pounds, and taking on additional responsibilities as needed to advance company objectives

What Will Set You Apart

5+ years of experience in a hardware testing environment

5+ years of CAD modeling experience

5+ years of fluid system design experience

Background in metal fabrication

Familiarity with hand tools and shop environments

Experience with tools such as: LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, DIAdem; Confluence, Jira; Microsoft Office Suite or similar platforms

Experience with high-speed or transient data acquisition systems

Experience working in cryogenic or high-temperature test environments

Experience supporting hazardous test operations

Strong cross-functional communication during live test campaigns

Location:On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits:Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITARhere.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

About the Company

Venus Aerospace

Develops hypersonic propulsion for terrestrial transport

Venus Aerospace focuses on making hypersonic travel possible for terrestrial use, aiming to enable one-hour global transport. The core product is a cost-effective hypersonic engine designed to power aircraft capable of extremely high speeds. The engine technology is developed to be sold or licensed to aircraft manufacturers or airline operators, generating revenue through B2B sales. Unlike others in the field, Venus emphasizes affordability and practicality, backed by a team with strong rocket science and engineering backgrounds. The goal is to shorten travel times globally while improving safety and transforming how people and goods move around the world.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Series B
Total funding: $130.7M
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Founded: 2020

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