Head of Propulsion Test & Validation

Cowboy Space Corporation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 265,000 - 302,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

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 the Propulsion & Launch division. You will define the test philosophy, stand up facilities, and lead teams to test rocket propulsion systems at high cadence.

This role shapes data acquisition, control software, and staffing for vehicle development and flight readiness. The incumbent will drive test campaigns, ensure safety, and align testing with milestones across propulsion, structures, and flight

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering field.
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or propulsion development, with leadership in teams and facilities.
• Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands (engine or stage level).
• Strong background in data acquisition systems architecture and real-time control.
• Experience with test control/sequencing systems (PLC/PAC, NI, dSPACE).
• Ability to build and scale a test organization, including hiring and safety culture.

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 test cells for engine hot-fire and stage tests.
• Decide on data acquisition, real-time control, and instrumentation standards; ensure scalable infrastructure.
• Lead and develop a team of test engineers, conductors, instrumentation engineers, data analysts, and technicians.
• Establish safety protocols and testing backbone for the program.
• Oversee test fixture design and tooling to meet accuracy and schedule requirements.
• Drive high-cadence test campaigns and rapid re-test cycles.
• Perform post-test data review, root-cause analysis, and feed results to design and manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Test engineering

Team building

Safety culture

Education

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

Tools

LabVIEW RT

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within the Propulsion & Launch division. You will define the test philosophy, stand up facilities, and lead teams to test rocket propulsion systems at high cadence.

This role shapes data acquisition, control software, and staffing for vehicle development and flight readiness. The incumbent will drive test campaigns, ensure safety, and align testing with milestones across propulsion, structures, and flight