Propulsion Test Lead - Solid Rocket Motors

Destinus; Payerne; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a propulsion test engineer focused on operations to lead safe planning, execution, and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. The role is hands-on and emphasizes test readiness, procedural rigor, and safety in energetic propulsion systems.

You will own test campaigns end-to-end, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure repeatable, compliant results while driving risk mitigation, thorough documentation, and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of propulsion or high-energy system testing.
• Strong exposure to test operations and execution.
• Experience with energetic materials, propellants, or high‑pressure systems is highly required.

Responsibilities

• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns.
• Define and author test plans and procedures for SRM and igniter testing.
• Lead test readiness reviews and pre-test briefings to ensure safety and readiness.
• Develop safety concepts, hazard analyses, and emergency procedures for energetic systems.
• Act as test conductor during live firings, coordinating personnel and safety zones.
• Ensure compliance with explosives and energetic materials safety standards.
• Support instrumentation and data acquisition requirements for test objectives.
• Oversee test setup, inspections, dry runs, and functional verifications.
• Lead or support investigations of anomalies, misfires, or incidents.
• Produce high-quality test documentation and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers.
• Contribute to test infrastructure and safety-system improvements.

Skills

Propulsion testing

Test planning

Hazard analysis

Safety leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Education

BSc or MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Pressure transducers

Thermocouples

Thrust measurement

Ignition circuits

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Destinus is seeking a propulsion test engineer focused on operations to lead safe planning, execution, and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. The role is hands-on and emphasizes test readiness, procedural rigor, and safety in energetic propulsion systems.

You will own test campaigns end-to-end, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure repeatable, compliant results while driving risk mitigation, thorough documentation, and lessons learned.