Propulsion Test Engineer - Lead Test Director

Hardware FYI; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to lead engine test campaigns for production propulsion systems and micro-turbojets. You will own test setups, software, safety, and data capture, collaborating with propulsion development engineers to adapt capabilities as designs evolve.

The role requires hands-on testing with live engine runs, strong Python/Linux skills, and the ability to manage test cell operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in aerospace, mechanical, electrical or related field.
• 3+ years propulsion testing or engine test cell operations.
• Direct experience as Test Director during live engine runs.
• Hands-on micro-turbojet engine testing experience.
• Experience designing, wiring test racks and instrumentation boxes.
• Proficiency writing automated test data acquisition software in Python under Linux/Unix.
• Strong Linux/Unix command line, SSH and networking skills.
• CAN bus interfaces and ECU/messaging experience.
• Sensor selection, wiring and calibration for pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells and flow meters.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs and manage test stand operations.
• Design, build, and maintain propulsion test hardware infrastructure and racks.
• Author propulsion test plans, procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop Python-based test software on Linux/Unix to control engine profiles and record telemetry.
• Implement CAN bus interfacing with ECUs and test stand controllers.
• Calibrate and integrate propulsion test instrumentation and sensors.
• Operate Linux/Unix test systems and perform network debugging.
• Conduct rapid root-cause analysis of anomalies during tests.
• Analyze post-test telemetry and generate detailed test summaries.
• Improve turnaround time, automated checkout, and facility safety.

Skills

Test director

Propulsion testing

Python programming

Linux/Unix

CAN bus

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

National Instruments cDAQ/cRIO

Job description

Anduril Industries is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to lead engine test campaigns for production propulsion systems and micro-turbojets. You will own test setups, software, safety, and data capture, collaborating with propulsion development engineers to adapt capabilities as designs evolve.

The role requires hands-on testing with live engine runs, strong Python/Linux skills, and the ability to manage test cell operations.