Engines Test Lead

Fully reusable launch vehicles are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. 

As an Engines Test Lead, you will have extreme ownership over all aspects of the engine test program for a 100% reusable rocket engine designed to fly daily. You will own the development and qualification test program for our Zenith Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) Engine from development through flight, from component level testing through fully integrated engine hotfires. You will be onsite at our Moses Lake Test Site working with the test facility team and engines team to take the engine through all phases of the product lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain engine test requirements
• Develop and maintain the engine test plans, breaking down the requirements into discrete test sequences and own the test procedure and schedule to execute them
• Own engine as-tested configuration from factory to flight
• Own test verification activities to ensure accomplished tests meet requirements
• Plan, prioritize, and execute component (turbopumps, pressure-fed combustors, valves, etc.) and full engine test campaigns
• Drive test data reviews and perform data analysis, own anomaly investigations and resolutions
• Develop and improve configuration tracking tools, test planning tools, and data reduction and trending tools
• Design build and troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for various test applications

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in designing, building, and testing of rocket engines, combustion devices, pumps, and valves
• Exceptional command of fundamentals, including compressible flow, thermodynamics, control systems, cryogenics, and instrumentation
• Strong knowledge of data analysis and data processing
• Proficiency with operation and testing of pneumatic, hydraulic, and cryogenic fluid systems
• Proficiency with aerospace standard fasteners, seals, tubing, fittings, and commercial off-the-shelf hardware
• Proficiency with instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, accelerometers, and flow meters
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar
• Willing to work in person in Moses Lake, Washington

Strongly Desired:

• Strong knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals, and ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to a fast-paced development program
• Proficiency with fluid analysis tools (Siemens AMESim, Thermal Desktop, Python, EES, REFPROP, Excel, or equivalent)
• Hands on experience and knowledge of fabrication and assembly of propulsion systems components: turbopumps, combustion devices, valves, electronics, etc. 

More Information: 

• Information about our Moses Lake Test Site: Moses Lake Test Site
• Information about our vertical test stand: Zenith Vertical Test Stand
• Images of the Zenith engine hotfiring: Zenith Hotfire

Benefits

• Equity – We are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Company-paid life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) plan with employer match 
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off  
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
• Paid Family/Parental Leave  
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
• Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation:  

Target levels:

• Level 2 Range: $109,725 - $148,470
• Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620
• Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.