Early Career Test Operations Engineer - Propulsion

Beyond New Horizons; Manchester (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Continuing education assistance

Multiple healthcare benefits packages

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Beyond New Horizons is seeking an Early Career Test Operations Engineer in Arnold AFB, TN. The role involves supporting propulsion testing for the U.S. Air Force as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should have a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

The position requires flexibility for shift work and a proactive approach to problem-solving and communication. Benefits include competitive salaries, continuing education assistance, and healthcare packages.

Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant engineering experience for Grade L07.
• Must obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain ground test facilities for propulsion systems.
• Provide technical direction for safe operation of test equipment.
• Coordinate with teams for test planning and execution.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

System Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAE/CAD tools

Job description

Job Title: Early Career Test Operations Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB, TN

Job Family Code: O--Engineering

Function/Branch: Engineering / Propulsion

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular, Full-Time

Pay Type: Exempt

Sponsorship: Position Not Sponsored

Grade: L06 (OA0614) - L07 (OA0713)

Salary Range: Grade 06: $80,000 - $97,000; Grade 07: $83,000 - $105,000 / year

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer in our Propulsion Test Group, supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The Test Operations Engineer will be working as a member of an integrated team in Propulsion responsible for operating and maintaining ground test facilities used for development and evaluation testing of propulsion systems such as turbojet and turbofan air breathing engines and ramjets in support of the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.

Open to internal or external candidates

The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer who wants to work in a multi‑disciplinary team that plays a key role in supporting national defense. The engineer hired into this role acts as the “quarterback” in one of the control rooms responsible for planning and execution of test plans for testing. This position does require shift work to support testing as test load demands.

Our Test Operations Engineers provide technical direction for safe and reliable operation of test equipment and integration of a customer’s test article to an Arnold Engineering Development Complex test bed. This work involves practical application of engineering principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials of construction. These principles are applied through the use of engineering tools including generating risk assessments, test plans, work instructions, and other engineering documentation in support of testing.

As part of a multi‑disciplinary team, test operations engineers interface with other engineering teams across the complex including plant operations and systems, controls, instrumentation, design, facility data analysis, and modeling and simulation engineers as well as a cadre of skilled labor to ensure reliable operation and ability to meet future test needs.

Test Operations Engineers also provide system engineer capabilities as part of a team of mechanical and electrical engineers whose job it is to oversee installation, operation, sustainment, and troubleshooting of their assigned test cell equipment and systems. Some examples of test systems in various facilities include thrust determination and force measurement systems, fuel systems, icing systems, combustors, nozzles, water systems, gaseous nitrogen systems, hydraulic systems, lubrication oil systems, high pressure air systems, service air systems, liquid nitrogen systems, various sensors, etc. that are needed to reliably provide test data to our customers.

Job Duties

• Learn and understand test systems; respond and make decisions quickly to alarms and alerts in fast‑paced, high‑pressure situations, ensuring safety of the test crew, facility, and test article.
• Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support.
• Coordinate work with the appropriate area superintendent, craft supervisor, and/or work planner and provide technical leadership to the craft workforce in execution of work orders and operational/maintenance procedures (work instructions), Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out, critical lifts, etc.
• Ensure proper test/operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, Test Unit Status Logs, Test Article Activity Logs, unplanned event reporting, etc.).
• Perform facility characterization and calibrations, monitor facility performance, and maintain system capability/performance maps and envelopes.
• Operate assigned test cell systems effectively.
• Develop the test operational requirements (test period directives, detailed run programs, etc.) ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound to withstand expected test.
• Direct test system checkouts and testing as required.
• Work with multi‑discipline engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the test control room to operate facility systems.
• Work extra hours and/or support off‑shift testing as required.
• Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication.
• Wear company‑issued PPE in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Grade L07: A minimum of 2 years’ relevant engineering experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC; the position is not sponsored for immigration purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical application of technical knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, construction methods, and materials; application of CAE/CAD tools to engineering problems.
• Multi‑disciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to make decisions in high‑pressure, time‑sensitive environments.
• Experience building relationships with teams across engineering and craft workforce.
• Strong organizational skills to track progress on projects.
• Proactive, initiative‑driven attitude to drive results.
• Strong technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding.
• Fosters a work environment based on openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.
• Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries.
• Continuing education assistance.
• Multiple healthcare benefits packages.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and any other grounds for discrimination prohibited by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.