Propulsion and Energetics Test Engineer II

Inversion; California (MO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion is hiring a Propulsion & Energetics Test Engineer II in California. You will lead critical tests for reentry systems and ensure vehicle design integrity.

The role demands a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering and 2+ years of relevant experience, focusing on designing and operating test stands for propulsion systems.

Inversion emphasizes teamwork in a fast-paced environment and offers a competitive salary range of $106,000 - $150,000.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience testing hardware systems.
• Understanding of fluid components and instrumentation.
• Experienced in writing technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead test campaigns for reentry systems.
• Design and operate propulsion test stands.
• Coordinate with design engineers on test planning.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Test procedure writing

Data acquisition

Problem-solving

Experience with Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

FlexLogger

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.

Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.

Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Position Overview:

Ground test is how Inversion builds confidence in new reentry systems before flight. As a Propulsion & Energetics Test Engineer II, you will lead and support critical test campaigns that shape vehicle design, validate models, and retire technical risk. This role will focus on propulsion and thermal protection system test stand fabrication and maintenance, post-test data processing, and a broad range of additional ground test activities for reentry vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, build, integrate, and operate propulsion, fluids, and thermal protection system torch test stands with a high degree of safety, autonomy, accountability, and responsibility.
• Support additional propulsion and energetics test activities including subsystem, component, and integrated hardware testing.
• Develop and document test instrumentation and measurement, equipment, methods, and processes.
• Coordinate with design engineers and technicians on test planning, operations, and analysis.
• Conduct test readiness reviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of applicable hands‑on experience testing hardware systems.
• Understanding of fluid components and instrumentation including valves, regulators, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, force sensors, and more.
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and post-test data processing.
• Experience writing test procedures, reports, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of operating safely and effectively in fast-paced test environments.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
• Position will require working with flammables and explosives.
• Position may require extended work hours, weekend work.
• Position may require standing, bending, and working directly with hardware on the floor for extended periods of time.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Python, MATLAB, FlexLogger, and other test software and tools for data processing and analysis.
• Experience with electrical design and troubleshooting.
• Capable of adapting to unforeseen circumstances; creatively problem solving to get a project over the finish line.
• Experience with aerospace qualification or development testing for flight hardware.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $106,000 - $150,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.