Propulsion Test Operations Lead — On-Site

PAVE Space SA; Villeneuve (VD); Remote; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PAVE Space SA in Villeneuve (VD) seeks an experienced leader to head test operations for the 45kN rocket engine program, overseeing facilities, readiness reviews, and on-site campaigns from the test site.

You will coordinate engineers, technicians, and safety teams, ensuring data quality and safety while accelerating testing campaigns. Fluent English required; French/German a plus. This role is on-site in Villeneuve with close ties to the Chavalon test site.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading or coordinating complex test operations in propulsion, aerospace, turbomachinery, high-pressure systems, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
• Hands-on experience with test benches, facility commissioning, and campaign execution.
• Experience writing and enforcing clear procedures, checklists, safety logic, and operational constraints.
• Fluent English (working language)

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day test operations across propulsion and spacecraft hardware, from component testing through integrated engine hot-fire.
• Own test readiness reviews, go/no-go logic, countdown discipline, redlines, abort criteria, and post-test reviews.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, operating checklists, commissioning plans, anomaly response, and recovery procedures.
• Coordinate propulsion engineers, test bench engineers, technicians, data engineers, and safety teams through preparation, execution, and post-test analysis.
• Ensure test benches and facilities are ready: instrumentation, DAQ, controls, safety interlocks, fluid systems, and ground support equipment.
• Drive anomaly investigations from the operations side and ensure corrective actions close before the next test.

Skills

Test operations leadership

Propulsion testing

Team coordination

Safety leadership

English fluency

Tools

DAQ systems

Instrumentation

GSE / safety interlocks

Job description

PAVE Space SA in Villeneuve (VD) seeks an experienced leader to head test operations for the 45kN rocket engine program, overseeing facilities, readiness reviews, and on-site campaigns from the test site.

You will coordinate engineers, technicians, and safety teams, ensuring data quality and safety while accelerating testing campaigns. Fluent English required; French/German a plus. This role is on-site in Villeneuve with close ties to the Chavalon test site.