Principal Test Operations Engineer

North Wind; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a Principal Test Operations Engineer to lead planning and design for new aero‑test facilities and to support execution once commissioned. The role requires coordinating with internal teams, program stakeholders, owners, designers, consultants, and partners to ensure safe, efficient testing.

Preference for active U.S. security clearance and a strong background in mechanical, aerospace systems, and test planning.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 7–10 years in engineering projects related to test operations.
• 5+ years in a wind tunnel facility/environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of tasks for capability and system checkouts and commissioning of new aero-test facilities.
• Develop validation and verification testing procedures and oversee execution.
• Guide safety program development per MIL-STD-882E and create SSP/PHL/PHA/HA.
• Prepare acceptance test procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Assist with facility design, test operations, and maintenance.
• Develop CONOPs and test plans for new facilities.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Project management

Aerospace systems

Education

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Full Time St Paul, MN, US

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting‑edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high‑speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs – from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us. Satellite engineering offices across the US are available so location constraints are potentially flexible.

Principal Test Operations Engineer

North Wind is seeking an experienced Principal Test Operations Engineer to initially lead planning and design of operational aspects for new ground test facilities and ultimately to support operational execution once commissioned. This role will ensure new facilities benefit from early operational expertise during the design/build phase to enable efficient operations. The successful candidate will be a highly professional, proactive, and resourceful leader who can work effectively with internal teams, program stakeholders, owners, designers, consultants, operators, and trade partners in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Function as the Operations lead within the project, taking ownership in the planning and execution of tasks pertaining to capability and system checkouts and commissioning efforts of new aero‑test facilities.
• Develop validation and verification testing procedures and oversee execution.
• Guide development of new facility Safety Programs guided by MIL‑STD‑882E
  • Including the development of the System Safety Plan (SSP), Preliminary Hazard List (PHL), Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Hazard Analysis (HA)
• Guide development of acceptance test procedures, and standard operational procedures.
• Assist with new facility design and drawing development focusing on test operations and maintenance.
• Work alongside project teams and provide inputs to new facility design driven by Concept of Operations CONOPS requirements (test throughput requirements/goals)
• Guide development of new facility Operator Training
• Develop Test Plans and work instructions for commissioning new facilities
• Develop CONOPs documents for new facilities

Preferred Education / Experience

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in engineering projects pertinent to the responsibilities listed above.
• 5+ years of experience working directly in a wind tunnel facility/environment

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Deep understanding of engineering principles, including mechanical, electromechanical, and aerospace systems design, test, and evaluation.
• Experience as an aerodynamic test engineer will help overall understanding of the role.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to define complex problems, analyze data, interpret abstract concepts, and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross‑functional teams from project conception to completion, guiding teams through planning, execution, and delivery phases
• Skilled in project management, prioritization, budgeting, and delivering results on time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience with System Safety Analysis (SSA), Safety Review Board (SRB) and Operational Readiness Review (ORR)
• Experience writing work instructions and Checkout/Test Plans for facility checkouts
• Experience writing Test Plans for customer test programs
• Experience writing System Safety Hazard Analysis (SSHA)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and engineering‑related software tools
• Active U.S. security clearance strongly preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.