Propulsion Test Engineer

Eden Capital Engineering; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits package

Job summary

Eden Capital Engineering in Leander, TX is seeking a hands-on Propulsion Test Engineer to design, build, operate, and improve test systems for advanced propulsion hardware. You will develop test fixtures, configure sensors and data acquisition, and support propulsion test campaigns.

The role requires strong mechanical fundamentals, 3+ years of relevant experience, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or Onshape), and hands-on fixture fabrication. Onsite work, U.S.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of mechanical/test/aerospace experience.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience designing test fixtures or hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, and operate propulsion test setups and rigs.
• Develop CAD models and fixtures for test hardware and stand improvements.
• Develop test plans and procedures for propulsion characterization.
• Configure and operate data-acquisition systems and sensors.
• Integrate instrumentation and electrical wiring for test systems.
• Conduct static propulsion testing and ground-test campaigns.
• Perform data reduction and post-test reporting.
• Identify performance issues and opportunities for design improvements.

Skills

Mechanical fundamentals

Instrumentation

Data acquisition

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Job description

Compensation: $95,000 - $125,000 DOE + equity + benefits

Overview

We are hiring a hands-on Propulsion Test Engineer to design, build, operate, and improve test systems for advanced propulsion and flight hardware.

This role sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, instrumentation, hardware integration, and test execution. You will develop test fixtures and static test rigs, configure sensors and data‑acquisition systems, support propulsion test campaigns, analyze test results, and work directly with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly improve hardware.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and practical experience with test hardware, instrumentation, fabrication, mechanical assembly, and troubleshooting.

Candidates with experience in propulsion, rocket or engine testing, aerospace test, mechanical test, hardware integration, or other high‑performance physical systems are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, modify, and operate propulsion and mechanical test setups, fixtures, and static test rigs.
• Develop CAD models and mechanical designs for test hardware, tooling, fixtures, and test-stand improvements.
• Develop test plans, propulsion‑characterization procedures, and test execution documentation.
• Configure and operate data‑acquisition systems, instrumentation, sensors, and associated electrical wiring.
• Integrate pressure transducers, load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, optical measurement systems, and other test instrumentation.
• Conduct static propulsion testing, thrust‑stand testing, and other ground‑test campaigns.
• Support preparation, setup, execution, and teardown of propulsion tests.
• Perform data reduction, technical analysis, and post‑test reporting.
• Analyze test data to identify performance issues, hardware failures, and opportunities for design improvement.
• Support mechanical assembly, fabrication, hardware integration, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, safety procedures, test procedures, and technical documentation.
• Work closely with propulsion, mechanical, manufacturing, systems, and test teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support ground and flight testing and rapidly incorporate test findings into hardware and test‑system improvements.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in mechanical test, propulsion test, aerospace test, hardware integration, instrumentation, or a related engineering environment.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience designing mechanical test fixtures, fixturing, test rigs, or similar hardware.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, and hardware integration.
• Experience configuring and operating instrumentation and data‑acquisition systems.
• Experience working with sensors such as pressure transducers, load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, or similar instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, wiring, connectors, and sensor integration.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Onshape, or comparable CAD software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test procedures, instrumentation diagrams, and technical requirements.
• Experience collecting, reducing, and analyzing engineering test data.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑moving engineering environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with solid rocket motors, rocket engines, propulsion systems, or energetic systems.
• Experience conducting static‑thrust‑stand or propulsion characterization testing.
• Experience with high‑speed data‑acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or comparable engineering and data‑analysis tools.
• Experience with propulsion instrumentation and combustion or pressure measurements.
• Knowledge of solid‑propellant handling, mixing, processing, or cure cycles.
• Welding, machining, or mechanical fabrication experience.
• Experience developing test procedures, safety documentation, and work instructions.Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation issues during hardware testing.
• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, energy, industrial R&D, or another highly technical hardware environment.
• Previous experience with a startup, small engineering organization, or fast‑paced hardware‑development environment.

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to work onsite in Leander, TX.
• Must be comfortable working directly with physical hardware, mechanical equipment, instrumentation, and test systems.
• Must be comfortable supporting hands‑on ground testing and occasional flight‑test activities.
• Strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate safely in a test environment are required.