Manufacturing Test Engineer - Propulsion

ABOUT THE JOB
As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will develop, build, and execute the test campaigns that qualify mission-critical air vehicle propulsion systems and micro-turbojets for production. In this role, you will take ownership of the physical and software test setups that validate engine performance, reliability, and operating limits, working directly with propulsion development engineers to adapt test capabilities as engine designs evolve.
Every Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of engine testing. You will design and fabricate physical test racks and instrumentation suites, write Python-based test software on Linux/Unix platforms, and control and monitor engine sub-assemblies over CAN bus networks. Crucially, you will act as the Test Director during live engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs—owning test cell safety, command execution, real-time data monitoring, and emergency abort sequences to ensure safe, repeatable, and high-fidelity testing.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Serve as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, managing test stand operations, console communication, go/no-go criteria, and emergency abort procedures
• Design, build, and maintain propulsion test hardware infrastructure, including instrumented test racks, sensor harnesses, engine test stands, and thrust measurement fixtures
• Author comprehensive propulsion test plans, run procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria in close collaboration with development engineers
• Develop robust, automated test and data acquisition software in Python running on Linux/Unix systems to control engine profiles and record telemetry
• Implement and debug CAN bus communications to interface with Engine Control Units (ECUs), smart actuators, fuel pumps, and test stand controllers
• Integrate and calibrate propulsion test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples/RTDs, mass flow meters, and vibration sensors
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot Linux/Unix test systems using terminal command-line tools, SSH, and network debugging utilities
• Perform rapid root-cause analysis (RCCA) on unexpected engine behaviors, instrumentation dropouts, or hardware anomalies observed during test execution
• Analyze post-test steady-state and transient telemetry (thrust, fuel flow, turbine inlet temperature, spool response) and generate detailed test summary reports
• Maintain and scale propulsion test cell facilities, driving improvements in turnaround time, automated checkout procedures, and facility safety

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in managing control room operations, coordinating complex test schedules, and maintaining accurate inventory tracking systems.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, or engine test cell operations
• Direct, hands-on experience with micro-turbojet engine testing (mandatory)
• Proven experience serving as a Test Director, console operator, or lead test engineer during live engine runs or hazardous hot-fire operations
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and wiring test racks, instrumentation boxes, and benchtop DAQ systems
• Proficiency writing automated test, control, and data acquisition software in Python within a Linux/Unix environment
• Strong Linux/Unix systems knowledge, including terminal command-line proficiency, SSH, and network configuration/debugging
• Hands-on experience with CAN bus hardware interfaces and messaging protocols for control and data logging
• Experience selecting, wiring, and calibrating sensors: pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and flow meters
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Broader turbine, rocket, or internal combustion engine test experience
• Experience with fluid systems, high-pressure plumbing, fuel delivery lines, valves, and regulators (e.g., Swagelok)
• Familiarity with CAD tools (such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks) for engine test stand and mounting fixture design
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition platforms (e.g., National Instruments cDAQ/cRIO) and hardware-level signal conditioning
• Familiarity with AS9100 or aerospace quality standards as applied to flight hardware testing and validation
• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance

US Salary Range 132000 - 175000 USD