Propulsion Test Engineer (SRM)

Destinus; Payerne; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking an operations-focused Propulsion Test Engineer to plan, execute, and continuously improve solid rocket motor and igniter testing. The role emphasizes hands-on readiness, procedural rigor, and safety in energetic propulsion systems.

You will own end-to-end test campaigns, develop test plans, lead TRRs, and drive instrumentation and data acquisition while collaborating with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and software teams. English fluency is required; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• At least 2+ years in propulsion or high-energy system testing.
• Experience with solid rocket motors is a plus.
• Hands-on test planning and execution experience.
• Strong safety background in energetic materials and emergency planning.
• Familiarity with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to stay calm during time-critical ignition operations.
• Excellent communication to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns
• Define and author test plans and test procedures for SRM and igniter testing, ensuring clarity, repeatability, and traceability of objectives and results.
• Lead test readiness reviews (TRR) and pre-test briefings, confirming technical, operational, and safety readiness prior to ignition.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety concepts, hazard analyses, contingency plans, and emergency procedures specific to energetic systems, propellants, ignition devices, and pressurized hardware.
• Act as test conductor during live firings, coordinating personnel, enforcing safety zones, making technical decisions to ensure test objectives are achieved, and responding to off-nominal or abort conditions
• Ensure strict compliance with internal safety standards and applicable regulations related to explosives, energetic materials, and high-temperature exhaust environments.
• Support the definition and validation of instrumentation and data acquisition requirements to ensure test objectives are met.
• Oversee test setup integration, inspection, dry runs, and functional verifications of motors, igniters, firing circuits, and safety interlocks.
• Lead or support test anomaly, misfire, or incident investigations, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Produce high-quality test documentation, including test plans, risk assessments, test reports, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure alignment between test objectives, design maturity, and operational constraints.
• Support the development and improvement of test infrastructure, firing stands, remote operations, and safety systems for solid rocket motor testing.
• Act as the testing/integration representative within the cross-functional project team, reviewing mechanical and propulsion design concepts early to ensure testability, instrumentability, and assembly feasibility before designs are finalized

Skills

Test planning

Procedural definition

Safety leadership

Hazard analysis

Team coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Autonomous work

English proficiency

German language

Education

BSc./MSc. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Pressure transducers

Thermocouples

Thrust measurement

Ignition circuits

Job description

About the Role

The Destinus engineering team is seeking a highly motivated, operations-focused Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the safe planning, execution, and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. This role is strongly hands-on and centered on test readiness, procedural rigor, and operational safety, ensuring reliable, repeatable, and compliant testing of energetic propulsion systems. The ideal candidate has experience owning test campaigns end-to-end in high-energy, hazardous test environments, with a strong mindset for risk identification, hazard mitigation, and disciplined execution.

What You’ll Do

• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns
• Define and author test plans and test procedures for SRM and igniter testing, ensuring clarity, repeatability, and traceability of objectives and results.
• Lead test readiness reviews (TRR) and pre-test briefings, confirming technical, operational, and safety readiness prior to ignition.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety concepts, hazard analyses, contingency plans, and emergency procedures specific to energetic systems, propellants, ignition devices, and pressurized hardware.
• Act as test conductor during live firings, coordinating personnel, enforcing safety zones, making technical decisions to ensure test objectives are achieved, and responding to off-nominal or abort conditions
• Ensure strict compliance with internal safety standards and applicable regulations related to explosives, energetic materials, and high-temperature exhaust environments.
• Support the definition and validation of instrumentation and data acquisition requirements to ensure test objectives are met.
• Oversee test setup integration, inspection, dry runs, and functional verifications of motors, igniters, firing circuits, and safety interlocks.
• Lead or support test anomaly, misfire, or incident investigations, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Produce high-quality test documentation, including test plans, risk assessments, test reports, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure alignment between test objectives, design maturity, and operational constraints.
• Support the development and improvement of test infrastructure, firing stands, remote operations, and safety systems for solid rocket motor testing.
• Act as the testing/integration representative within the cross-functional project team, reviewing mechanical and propulsion design concepts early to ensure testability, instrumentability, and assembly feasibility before designs are finalized

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• BSc. or MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in propulsion or high-energy system testing, with strong exposure to test operations and execution.
• Strong understanding of rocket propulsion is required, with experience specifically in solid rocket motors considered a plus
• Experience in propulsion testing, such as static firing or ignition system validation, is a strong plus.
• Experience working with energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnic devices, or high-pressure systems is highly required.
• Demonstrated experience in test planning, procedural definition, and hands-on test execution.
• Strong background in test safety, including hazard identification, risk assessments, explosive safety, and emergency response planning.
• Familiarity with propulsion test instrumentation and data acquisition systems (pressure transducers, thermocouples, thrust measurement, ignition circuits).
• Ability to operate calmly and decisively during time-critical ignition and firing operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead test activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary development team.
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.