Principal Propulsion Test Engineer

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning the mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems required for safe, repeatable engine testing.
• Build robust, flight-ready test infrastructure by designing structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, and facility equipment that meets demanding propulsion testing requirements.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews, including, safety, instrumentation, and limits review in preparation for test events
• Deliver high-fidelity test data by architecting and integrating instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems that provide reliable, flight-critical measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
• Commission and operate propulsion test systems by leading assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, operating procedure development, and safe execution of engine test campaigns.
• Drive propulsion test execution and technical insight by partnering with Performance Engineering to analyze results, benchmark engine performance, and resolve technical issues through root-cause investigation.
• Continuously improve test capability by automating test operations, increasing reliability and throughput, and evolving infrastructure to accelerate propulsion development in alignment with the DAPS philosophy.

Job requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, commissioning, and operating complex propulsion or mechanical test systems, including hands-on integration, troubleshooting, and test execution.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with technical and functional teams in prior to and during test events.
• Strong technical foundation in high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and high-speed data acquisition, including pressure system design, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and development of reliable,…
• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Direct experience testing turbo machinery, gas turbines, or jet engines.
• Strong understanding of propulsion test planning, test execution, data acquisition, and performance analysis.
• Experience with advanced sensing technologies, including fiber optic instrumentation.