Senior R&D Engineer

Position Summary:

Revolution Space is looking for a dynamic and growth-oriented Senior R&D Engineer to lead the testing and integration of propulsion systems for advanced propulsion concepts. Responsibilities include test design, structural/thermal analysis, manufacturing collaboration, and performance data analysis. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, primarily scientists and test engineers, to ensure safe, and efficient validation of propulsion concepts that meet performance requirements for challenging space missions within a laboratory environment.

The position is full-time. Onsite required within greater Boston area.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with scientists, propulsion engineers, and multi-disciplinary technical team to translate experimental objectives into test setup designs, defining requirements, interfaces, constraints, and success criteria.
• Develop and modify specialized test equipment to support evolving test requirements.
• Support rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Review CAD models, engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and analysis results (structural, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fluid interface) to confirm hardware meets test and safety requirements, and recommended materials, components, and instrumentation as needed.
• Conduct R&D testing, partnering closing with test engineering team on operation and safety requirements; support integration, troubleshooting and commissioning of test hardware.
• Participate in test planning, readiness reviews, hazard assessments, and post-test evaluations.
• Lead test design and procurement of test articles, coordinating with internal manufacturing and external vendors to ensure hardware is delivered on schedule.
• Drive technical issues to closure while balancing schedule, cost, and technical performance, and identify opportunities to improve reliability, maintainability, and test throughput
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including operating procedures, work instructions, and configuration records

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience with mechanical systems, test equipment, propulsion hardware, or Ground Support Equipment (GSE), either through design or through test/integration engineering
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent)
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings compliant with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Knowledge of mechanical design principles, structural analysis, materials selection, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with hardware in vacuum and laboratory environments
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with scientists, technicians, and test engineers to develop experimental hardware
• Experience supporting hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and test execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document technical work
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in fast-paced R&D environments where hardware is rapidly designed, built, tested, and iterated
• Experience supporting Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Failure Reviews, and Root Cause Analyses

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with liquid, gaseous, or electric propulsion systems
• Experience with instrumentation integration, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, flow meters, and valves
• Knowledge of fluid systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, or high-pressure gas systems
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations to support design decisions
• Knowledge of configuration management, risk management, and engineering change processes
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government-funded research programs
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead mechanical design efforts while effectively collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
• Experience programming post-processing/data reduction of test data

Benefits

• Paid holidays, sick time and unmetered vacation
• Excellent health and dental plans with 80% employer contribution
• 4% company matching 401k plan with immediate vesting
• Life Insurance
• Long-term / short term disability
• Education assistance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanents residents of the U.S., or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected factor.