Test Engineer - Space Hardware (m/f/d)

Blackwave GmbH; Potzham; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Germany ticket

Healthy & social lunch culture

Autonomy & real impact

Startup mindset meets aerospace

Job summary

Blackwave GmbH in the Bavarian Munich area seeks a Test Engineer to develop and operate the test infrastructure for aerospace COPV components, from test method design to data reporting.

You will build test benches with sensors and DAQ, run campaigns, evaluate data, and deliver traceable results that prove hardware performance in space.

This hands-on role emphasizes autonomy, strong ownership, and close collaboration within a small, ambitious team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field.
• First practical experience (internships, thesis projects, or 1-3 years) in hardware testing or test bench development.
• Solid understanding of test methodologies with sensors, DAQ, and mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic test systems.
• Ability to critically evaluate measurement data and create clear, traceable documentation; Python or MATLAB is a plus.
• Strong ownership mindset and the ability to drive technical topics forward in a structured and independent manner.
• Fluent English, hands-on mindset, and a strong willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop, build, and technically provision test methods and test benches for mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic setups with sensors and DAQ.
• Ensure test campaigns deliver reliable, reproducible data on schedule.
• Document results clearly so data traceability back to source.
• Collaborate to evolve test benches and methods with product development.
• Provide proof through testing to end COPV failures in spaceflight.
• Note: role covers hardware testing and QA of COPVs and carbon structures; not software QA.

Skills

Test methodologies

DAQ experience

Sensors

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Ownership mindset

English fluency

Hands-on mindset

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field

Tools

LabVIEW

ECSS standards

Cryogenic testing

Measurement uncertainty analysis

Job description

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

THE WHAT

You develop and operate the test infrastructure for our aerospace components — from test method and test bench design to campaign execution, data evaluation, and traceable reporting. You bring a fresh engineering perspective to new projects and strengthen our validation capabilities with every campaign.

THE WHY

To end COPV failure in spaceflight. Every composite pressure vessel that flies is proven on a test bench first. Testing is where design assumptions meet physical reality — burst, proof, cycle, and environmental campaigns generate the data that lets our customers trust their hardware in orbit. This role owns that proof.

YOUR IMPACT

You don't run tests. You deliver proof.

You ensure:

• every test campaign delivers reliable, reproducible data on schedule


• test benches and methods evolve with our products — not behind them


• results are documented so clearly that anyone can trace a data point back to its source

Important note: This role covers hardware testing and quality assurance of our COPVs and carbon structures. We are not hiring for Software QA or software testing positions.

Your tasks in detail and by priority:

Develop, build, and technically provision test methods and test benches — mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic setups including sensor and DAQ integration — to support product validation and qualification.

High Performance: Precision at speed. Test-ready when the hardware is.

Accountability: Your bench, your campaign, your data.

Candor: Honest data. Clear reports. No spin.

Playfulness: Experiment on the bench, not in production.

Togetherness: Test data only matters if the whole team can act on it.

YOUR PROFILE

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.


• First practical experience (internships, thesis projects, or 1-3 years of professional experience) in hardware testing, test bench development, or an experimental engineering environment.


• Solid understanding of test methodologies and experimental setups, including practical experience with sensors, data acquisition (DAQ), and mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic test systems.


• Ability to critically evaluate measurement data and create clear, traceable documentation; experience with Python or MATLAB is a plus.


• Strong ownership mindset and the ability to drive technical topics forward in a structured and independent manner.


• Fluent English and a curious, hands‑on mindset with a strong willingness to learn.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite materials or pressure vessel testing.


• Experience with LabVIEW, aerospace testing standards (e.g. ECSS), cryogenic testing, or measurement uncertainty analysis.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Choose your own benefit: Germany ticket, Egym Wellpass, or a tax‑free Give Card


• Healthy & social lunch culture: Fresh meals during shared lunch breaks


• High level of autonomy & real impact: You own a critical seam in the business — between what we sell and what we build


• Startup mindset meets aerospace innovation: Flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas


• Stunning views: Rooftop terrace with views of the Alps in Taufkirchen, or indoor garden in Garching-Hochbrück


• Growth opportunities: Work on technically demanding projects with real stakes


• We live our team culture: From tech talks to team events and after‑work gatherings — we celebrate success together

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