Propulsion Engineer, Test

Wild West Systems, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild West Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer specialized in propulsion test systems. You will design and support ballistic test setups, fixtures, and test rigs, perform CAD modeling, and develop propulsion characterization plans.

You will also configure instrumentation and DAQ systems, conduct static thrust tests, and analyze data to generate reports while ensuring compliance with safety and ITAR requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in CAD modeling and fixture design for propulsion test rigs.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, and DAQ systems used in test campaigns.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and hands-on fabrication ability.
• ITAR compliance awareness and ability to work under export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design and administer ballistic test setups, fixtures, and test rigs.
• CAD and mechanical design of propulsion components and fixtures.
• Develop propulsion characterization and static test plans.
• Configure and operate DAQ systems, sensors, and data acquisition.
• Conduct rocket static thrust stand testing and related campaigns.
• Data reduction, analysis, and post-test reporting.

Skills

CAD Modeling

DAQ Systems

Electrical Systems

Fixtures Design

Mechanical Fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Company Overview

Wild West Systems is an American defense technology company with the mission to equip the civilized world with superior and affordable arms and advanced technologies – to dominate the battlefield of present and future threats, in a new era of asymmetrical warfare. We fuse versatile domain experience with novel approach and creativity to change the paradigm of defense – both for military arenas and civilian soft targets. We're an early-stage startup, rapidly moving and growing.

General Qualifications

Love for America and passion for Wild West System's mission. Self-starter, capable of performing tasks as an individual as well as working well in a team. Bias for action. ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Position Overview

The role requires designing, building, and supporting propulsion and ballistic test setups, fixtures, and test rigs. Other responsibilities include assisting with CAD modeling, fixture design, and mechanical updates. We would also expect someone to develop propulsion characterization and static test plans.

Responsibilities

• Design and administer ballistic test setups, fixtures, and test rigs
• CAD and mechanical design
• Characterization and static test plans
• Design, configure, and operate DAQ systems, instrumentation, and sensors integrations
• Conduct rocket static thrust stand testing and other propulsion-related test campaigns
• perform data reduction, analysis, and post-test reporting
• Support hardware manufacturing, assembly, integration, and troubleshooting
• Create and maintain work instructions, safety procedures, and technical documentation
• Support flight tests and ground tests, diagnose performance issues, and iterate quickly

Requirements

• CAD modeling proficiency (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent tools)
• Familiarity with instrumentations, sensors, and DAQ systems (pressure transducers, load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, optical measurements, etc.)
• Electrical systems and wiring
• Experience designing test fixtures, fixturing, or mechanical test rigs.
• Experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, and hardware integration (machine shop experience a plus)
• Mechanical engineering fundamentals
• ITAR Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen, or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident, (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 9 U.S.C. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR Here

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with solid rocket motors or propulsion systems, (solid propellant mixing, energetics handling, and cure cycles).
• Experience with high-speed data acquisitions systems
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, python, or similar analysis tools.
• Aerospace or Defense environments
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering