Propulsion Test Technician

Destinus; Payerne; On-site; CHF 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support preparation, assembly, operation, and maintenance of propulsion test activities at our Payerne facility. You will ensure test benches, GSE, and instrumentation are ready, safe, and operational between campaigns.

Join a hands-on role alongside propulsion test engineers, focusing on mechanical assembly, instrumentation conformity, and strict safety protocols in an aerospace setting.

Qualifications

• Polymechaniker/in or equivalent hands-on technical qualification.
• Several years in technical support, test operations or maintenance in aerospace or defence.
• Experience with mechanical assembly, fluid systems and instrumentation connections.
• Able to read assembly procedures, test plans and work instructions.
• Experience handling energetic or hazardous materials is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test benches, GSE, and instrumentation for campaigns with mechanical assembly and checks.
• Assemble rocket motors and pyrotechnic devices on test rigs per procedures and safety rules.
• Support test operations by monitoring systems, operating GSE, and aiding engineers.
• Perform post-test teardown, inspection, data collection, and document findings.
• Carry out maintenance of test benches and equipment, keeping logs current.
• Maintain test bench operability and calibration readiness before campaigns.
• Handle and store energetic materials per site procedures.
• Keep the facility safe and organized per regulations.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Fluid systems

Instrumentation connections

Safety-conscious

Reading procedures

Team collaboration

Education

Polymechaniker/in or mechanic training

Tools

Test benches

GSE maintenance

Job description

The Destinus engineering team is seeking a Propulsion Test Technician to support the preparation, assembly, operation, and maintenance of propulsion test activities at our Payerne test facility.

Working directly alongside propulsion test engineers, you will be responsible for the hands-on readiness of test benches, ground support equipment, and instrumentation - ensuring that every test is set up correctly, runs safely, and that the facility stays operational between campaigns.

What You'll Do

• Prepare test benches, ground support equipment (GSE), and instrumentation for propulsion and pyrotechnic test campaigns - mechanical assembly, connections, and pre-test checks


• Assemble rocket motors and pyrotechnic devices onto test rigs following assembly procedures, travellers, and safety protocols


• Support test operations: monitor systems during test runs, operate ground support equipment, and assist test engineers throughout the campaign


• Perform post-test teardown, inspection, and data collection; document findings and flag anomalies


• Carry out scheduled and corrective maintenance of test benches, GSE, and facility equipment; maintain maintenance logs and flag items requiring engineering review


• Manage test bench operability: track the status of equipment, calibration, and facility systems; ensure readiness ahead of each test campaign


• Handle and store energetic test articles, propellants, and pyrotechnic devices in compliance with applicable safety protocols and site procedures


• Maintain a safe, organized test facility in line with regulations, site safety rules, and internal procedures

What You'll Need

• Vocational training as a Polymechaniker/in, mechanic, or equivalent hands-on technical qualification


• Several years of experience in a technical support, test operations, or maintenance role in an industrial, aerospace, or defence environment


• Comfortable with mechanical assembly, fluid systems, and instrumentation connections in a test environment


• Experience with test bench or GSE maintenance; familiarity with calibration and functional check procedures


• Ability to read and follow assembly procedures, test plans, and work instructions accurately


• Experience handling energetic, pyrotechnic, or otherwise hazardous materials is a strong advantage


• Methodical and safety-conscious - someone who does not take shortcuts in a safety-critical test environment


• Fluent in English; French and/or German is a strong advantage given the Payerne site