Propulsion Test Technician Lead

About the role

Mach Energetics is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician Lead to support the development, integration, and testing of next-generation propulsion and energetic systems for advanced defense applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain propulsion test stands and associated ground support equipment, including high-pressure gas systems (GN2, GHe), pneumatic systems, and hydraulic infrastructure.
• Assemble, integrate, and test propulsion hardware including rocket engines, valves, regulators, feed systems, tubing, and propellant lines for development and qualification testing.
• Execute proof pressure, burst, leak, and flow testing procedures to validate propulsion hardware performance and structural integrity.
• Install, route, and calibrate instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and other sensors used during propulsion test operations.
• Interface with data acquisition (DAQ) systems to support test setup, sensor verification, and collection of accurate test data during operations.
• Support hot-fire and cold-flow test campaigns by preparing hardware, performing system checkouts, and assisting with real-time test execution.
• Troubleshoot test anomalies and “no-go” conditions by identifying whether failures originate from hardware, instrumentation, fluid systems, or test setup configurations.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion and test engineers to rapidly iterate on hardware configurations and improve test reliability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of test configurations, calibration activities, maintenance actions, and operational procedures.
• Adhere to strict safety procedures while operating around hazardous propellants, high-pressure systems, energetic devices, and other hazardous test environments.
• Support maintenance and upkeep of test facilities, cleanroom environments, tooling, and propulsion test infrastructure to ensure operational readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Background working with fluid systems, especially high-pressure environments.
• Deep understanding of pressure-related hazards, failure modes, and risk mitigation.
• Familiarity with test operations, troubleshooting, and rapid hardware iteration in development environments.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, assembly instructions, and test procedures.
• Strong safety-first mindset, especially around high-energy or high-pressure systems.
• Demonstrated ability to identify hazards and proactively reduce operational risk.
• Experience working in environments where procedural discipline and safety culture are critical.
• Hands-on experience using shop equipment, torque tools, tubing tools, pressure equipment, and diagnostic instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset with the ability to quickly identify and resolve hardware or test setup issues.
• Willingness to support extended hours and short-term travel during active test campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting rocket engines, turbine engines, thrusters, UAV propulsion systems, or aerospace propulsion hardware.
• Familiarity with propulsion test cells, DAQ systems, instrumentation, and engine calibration techniques.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, pneumatic systems, or hazardous fluid operations.
• A&P certification, military propulsion maintenance experience, or equivalent aerospace technical training.
• Experience supporting flight test campaigns or defense development programs.
• Welding, tubing fabrication, or precision mechanical assembly experience.
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices, contamination control, and aerospace-quality documentation standards.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and flight-test teams during rapid development cycles.