Head of Propulsion Test Engineering

Cowboy Space Corp.; Kent, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 265,000 - 302,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

10 holidays per year

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Office lunch

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division.

You will establish test stand architecture, data acquisition, and control software, while guiding a growing team and delivering rapid, rigorous testing for propulsion systems and vehicle stages. You will define the testing philosophy, lead safety standards, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to align tests with flight readiness milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or propulsion development with leadership.
• Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands including fluid and electrical systems.
• Strong background in data acquisition and real-time control systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the integrated test plan across propulsion and vehicle stages with clear objectives and cadence.
• Design, build, and commission test stands and cells for engine hot-fire and stage testing; own the facility.
• Make architecture decisions for DAQ, real-time control, and instrumentation standards for scalability.
• Lead and develop a team of test engineers, instrumentation engineers, and technicians.
• Establish test standards, procedures, and safety protocols across the launch organization.

Skills

Test engineering

Test operations

Leadership

Rocket propulsion

DAQ systems

Test control software

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering

Tools

C/C++

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

ISO 17025

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division.

You will establish test stand architecture, data acquisition, and control software, while guiding a growing team and delivering rapid, rigorous testing for propulsion systems and vehicle stages. You will define the testing philosophy, lead safety standards, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to align tests with flight readiness milestones.