Structural Test Engineer

NordSpace Corp.; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NordSpace Corp. is seeking a Structural Test Engineer in Markham, ON to design, build, and commission ground infrastructure for propulsion testing. This hands-on role requires lifecycle ownership of test stands and close collaboration with engineering and controls teams.

You will design load paths, thrust frames, and leak-check procedures, and lead safety-driven test campaigns with data analysis to refine designs and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field; Master’s in propulsion is an asset.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical/fluid systems for propulsion or high-energy hardware.
• Professional Engineer in Ontario is an asset; license is preferred.
• Experience with cryogenic/high-pressure fluid systems and subcomponents.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and structural mechanics.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and GD&T drawings; ability to create/interprete P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and commission test stands for hot-fire testing of rocket engines.
• Own structural and mechanical design of thrust frames and engine mounts.
• Collaborate with controls to build automated test operations for safety and reliability.
• Develop and execute test plans for hot-fire or performance testing.
• Analyze test data and compare with models to improve reliability.
• Support root-cause investigations during testing or flight.
• Lead end-to-end commissioning of test stands with safety verification.
• Identify risks and define safe SOPs for test stands.

Skills

Structural testing

Mechanical design

3D CAD

FEA/CFD

P&ID interpretation

Safety procedures

Test campaign planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in propulsion/related field (asset)

Tools

3D CAD tools

FEA software

CFD tools

Job description

Engineering - Launch Systems Full Time Markham, ON

NordSpace(https://nordspace.com) is a Canadian startup with the mission to advance life on Earth, from space.NordSpaceis committed to extremely rapid innovation and development of the most ambitious aerospace projects with the most ambitious team. With divisions spanning everything fromspace robotics to satellites torockets,NordSpaceis driven to bring space closer to Earth and inspire generations of space explorers.

Role purpose:

Asa Structural TestEngineeryouare responsible for designing, building and commissioning the ground infrastructure capable of testing and operating all elements of the propulsion system. The role is idealfor someone who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and wants full lifecycle ownership.

Core responsibilities

• Design, build and commission test stands used for hot fire testing and validating rocket engines.Design the load path from test stand to pad, taking into account static and overturning loads.
• Own the structural and mechanical design of thrust frames, engine mounts and load bearing hardware that take the full force of a hot fire campaign.
• Collaborate with engineering and controls team to build automated test operations for safety and reliability.
• Develop and execute test plans for component and system hot fire or performance testing
• Analyze test data and correlate against predictive models to refine designs, and improve reliability of the test stands.
• Support root-cause investigations for anomalies during testing or flight.
• Lead the end to end commissioning of test stands, including pressure and leak checks, cold flow testing and verification of all safety features.
• Follow all safety precautions and proactively identify risks and hazards when defining safe standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the test stands.
• Work closely with suppliers and vendors on custom hardware procurement when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a closely related engineering discipline;Master’sdegree with specialization in propulsion, combustion, or related field is an asset.
• 3+ years ofhands onexperience designing mechanical and fluid systems in liquid rocket propulsion or closely related combustion/fluids hardware (e.g., gas turbines, high pressure chemical process equipment, combustion systems).
• Licenced Professional Engineer in Ontario is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience or working knowledge of cryogenic and high pressure fluid systems, including the selection, sizing and routing of subcomponents (e.g. flowmeters, valves, manifolds, feed systems).
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and structural mechanics as applied to high pressure,high temperaturehardware.
• Proficiencywith 3D CAD tools for complex assemblies and detailedcomponentdesign, and fluency with GD&T compliant engineering drawings.Ability to create and interpret P&IDs and engineering drawings.
• Experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, analytical modeling) for structural, thermal, and fluid performance.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing test campaigns for propulsion or high energy hardware, including test article definition, instrumentation, procedures, safety, and data review.
• Experience defining and supporting manufacturing processes for precision hardware (e.g., machining, welding/brazing, additive manufacturing, surface treatments) in a development or production environment, including design for manufacturability and testability.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues in the field.
• Proactive mindset:identifiesblockers (technical, schedule, resource, or process) early and drives them to resolution to keep the program moving.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Thank you to all who apply. Candidates who are successfully selected for an interview will be notified by email.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and able to obtain and maintain a security assessment under the Controlled Goods Program (Defence Production Act) as a condition of their employment.

Compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion, based on job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, and education and/or training. NordSpace encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations.

NordSpace is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates; all hiring decisions are based on merit and job-related qualifications, without discrimination on any ground protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations are available on request at any stage of the selection process — please contact [e-mail].