Propulsion Engineer, Test

Wild West Systems Inc.; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild West Systems Inc. is seeking a Propulsion Engineer in Leander, TX, to design and support propulsion test setups and systems. The candidate should have strong CAD modeling skills (SolidWorks/Onshape), familiarity with instrumentation, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Responsibilities include conducting propulsion tests, creating technical documentation, and supporting flight tests. The role is full-time and requires onsite presence, adhering to ITAR regulations.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD modeling tools like SolidWorks or Onshape.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and DAQ systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and wiring.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Design and administer ballistic test setups and fixtures.
• Conduct rocket static thrust stand testing.
• Support flight tests and diagnose performance issues.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

CAD modeling proficiency

Familiarity with instrumentations

Electrical systems and wiring

Mechanical engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Propulsion Engineer, Test

Location: Onsite - Leander, TX

Engagement: Full-Time

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Company Overview

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with solid rocket motors or propulsion systems, (solid propellant mixing, energetics handling, and cure cycles).
• Clean room experience
• Experience with high-speed data acquisitions systems
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, python, or similar analysis tools.
• Welding, machining, & fabrication experience
• Aerospace or Defense environments
• Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering