Principal Test Operations Engineer

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a qualified Principal Test Operations Engineer to lead the planning and design of operations for new ground test facilities. You will ensure efficient operations by leveraging your extensive experience in aerospace and mechanical engineering.

The successful candidate should have over 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in wind tunnel environments, and possess strong leadership and communication skills. Opportunities for flexible location exist across the U.S.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in engineering projects relevant to responsibilities.
• 5+ years experience in a wind tunnel facility/environment.
• Active U.S. security clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of operational tasks for new ground test facilities.
• Oversee validation and verification testing procedures.
• Develop Test Plans and work instructions for commissioning new facilities.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical system design

Aerospace systems evaluation

Leadership of cross-functional teams

Excellent communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Engineering-related software tools

Job description

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 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 in site development requirements.
• Guide development of new facility Safety Programs guided by MIL-STD‑882E.
• Guide development of new facility Operator Training.
• Develop Test Plans and work instructions for commissioning new facilities.
• Develop CONOPs documents for new facilities.
• 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 Safety Programs guided by MIL-STD‑882E, including the development of the System Safety Plan (SSP), Preliminary Hazard List (PHL), Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), and Hazard Analysis (HA).

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.