Staff Propulsion Test Engineer

 About the Company
Our client is an advanced manufacturing company building integrated engineering and manufacturing solutions for some of the world's most demanding industries. It is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. The organization moves fast, builds first-of-a-kind hardware, and puts safety and technical excellence first.

 

The Role
Our client is looking for a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build and operate propulsion test infrastructure that speeds up the development of next-generation turbo machinery and jet engines.

From an empty test bay to first-fire, you will own the end-to-end development of propulsion test capability. That covers designing mechanical structures, integrating high-pressure fluid systems, implementing instrumentation and controls, commissioning the facility, and ultimately leading test campaigns.

This is a highly hands-on role for an engineer who is equally comfortable designing structural hardware, specifying instrumentation, commissioning fluid systems and troubleshooting on the test floor. You will work closely with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software and external partners to turn ambitious testing goals into safe, repeatable, data-rich test campaigns.

What You'll Own

• Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning the mechanical, fluid, controls and instrumentation systems for safe, repeatable engine testing.
• Design structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems and facility equipment that meet demanding propulsion testing requirements.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews, including safety, instrumentation and limits reviews, ahead of test events.
• Architect and integrate instrumentation, DAQ and control systems that deliver reliable, high-fidelity measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
• Lead assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing and operating procedure development.
• Safely execute engine test campaigns.
• Partner with Performance Engineering to analyze results, benchmark engine performance and resolve technical issues through root-cause investigation.
• Automate test operations and improve reliability, throughput and data quality as propulsion programs evolve.
• Build a culture of ownership, safety and technical excellence.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, commissioning and operating complex propulsion or mechanical test systems, including hands-on integration, troubleshooting and test execution.
• Strong foundation in high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation and high-speed data acquisition. This includes pressure system design, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and reliable, high-fidelity test data systems built to ASME B31.3 or equivalent standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and functional teams before and during test events.
• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export-control requirements.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience testing turbo machinery, gas turbines or jet engines.
• Strong understanding of propulsion test planning, execution, data acquisition and performance analysis.
• Experience with advanced sensing technologies, including fiber optic instrumentation.
• Experience with PLCs, industrial controls, automation or integrated test control systems.
• Familiarity with vibration, NVH and propulsion performance characterization.
• Experience in fast-paced R&D or first-of-a-kind hardware environments.
• A builder's mindset: you naturally see how to turn an empty space into a safe, efficient, highly capable test facility.
• A collaborative leadership style with a track record of helping multidisciplinary teams deliver complex technical systems.

Work Environment
This is a hands-on, onsite position supporting test stand construction, commissioning and recurring engine testing. You will regularly work around high-pressure fluid systems, aviation fuels and active propulsion testing. You will work closely with Performance Engineering, Software Engineering, manufacturing teams and external engineering partners.