Propulsion Test Engineer I

About the role

The Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates test sites to evaluate Terran R's high-energy components, rocket engines, and both booster and upper stages. Team members are hands-on with these large-scale, complex systems, pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. The work is fast-paced, highly operational, and collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Work with test stands and test articles (high-energy components, engines, and full stages) for Terran R
• See a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle and its many parts come to life through testing
• Design fluid systems (gas, liquid, cryogenic) including Piping & Instruction Diagrams (P&IDs), analysis, and component selection
• Design structural and mechanical systems including 3D modeling, analysis, and fabrication drawings
• Source components and develop detailed fabrication work instructions
• Bring new test stands to life by managing fabrication, activation, and initial operations
• Design and implement upgrades to operational test stands to enable new test capabilities
• Maintain test stands through preventive maintenance and rapid response to anomalies & equipment failures
• Conduct test operations on high-energy components, engines, and stages
• Control test stand and test article through GUIs and automation while monitoring cameras and telemetry
• Conduct flight acceptance, qualification, and development testing campaigns to validate designs and continuously improve the rocket
• Develop and optimize GUIs, procedures, control automation, and data review processes
• Prepare test articles for testing through inspections, functional checks, leak checks, and managing non-conformances
• Bring new test stands to life and support modifications and maintenance on existing facilities
• Manage test articles through test prep, post-test processing, and repairs
• Author work instructions for test articles and coordinate work with technicians and quality inspectors
• Manage non-conformances, author corrective work instructions, and implement part requirements
• Maintain work instructions current with evolving build specifications and drive standardization across sites
• Incorporate feedback and optimize part usage to streamline hardware flow and reduce waste

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate common power tools
• Ability to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
• This role may require travel to production and launch locations, up to 10%
• Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
• Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems and Structures
• Hands-on fabrication experience for complex assemblies
• Working knowledge of fluid components and ability to understand/develop fluid P&IDs for large-scale test systems
• Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
• Technical writing or documentation experience

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site
• Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site

Skills

• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
• Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems and Structures
• Hands-on fabrication experience for complex assemblies
• Working knowledge of fluid components and ability to understand/develop fluid P&IDs for large-scale test systems
• Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
• Technical writing or documentation experience

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity
• A generous PTO and sick leave policy
• Parental leave
• An annual learning and development stipend

Pay

Hiring Range: $90,000 - $136,000 USD

Schedule

Not specified