Propulsion Test Engineer

Slope; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Irvine is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to own end-of-line static-fire testing for jet engines and components. You will build or improve test stands and troubleshoot existing systems, driving projects to completion and ensuring testing readiness.

The role requires collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams, plus experience with propulsion testing and data analysis. Travel up to 50% and eligibility for U.S. security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace engineering or similar.
• 2+ years in gas turbine, aerospace test engineering, or rocket propulsion roles.
• Experience designing, building and qualifying test equipment.
• Experience with instrumentation types, selection and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with test planning, readiness reviews, P&IDs and other test documentation.
• Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language.
• Experience with airbreathing or rocket propulsion testing.
• Ability to collaborate with other electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.
• Travel time up to 50%
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

• Develop test stands, instrumentation packages and equipment to support production engine test and integration.
• Act as sole ‘buck‑stops‑here’ owner for static‑fire production testing operations
• Design test procedures and processes for production technicians to operate test facilities
• Develop system requirements and test campaigns for Anduril’s wide range of airbreathing turbine applications.
• Work with engine control systems including FADEC’s, ECU’s, Starter‑Generators and related hardware.
• Work with actuators, sensors, connectors and architecture of engine control systems.
• Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test.
• Lead data reviews and root cause investigations

Skills

Python

Matlab

Test instrumentation

Data analysis

Collaboration

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Aerospace engineering

Tools

CANape

CAN/XCP/ARINC

Instrumentation hardware

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril’s Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering Team is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to join our team. The propulsion manufacturing test team is responsible for high scale production testing of jet engines and subcomponents.

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end‑of‑line static‑fire test operations. The right person for this role has the ability to both build new clean‑sheet static‑fire test equipment as well as troubleshoot and improve existing systems. If you are someone who can independently drive projects to completion and own a critical part of engine production then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop test stands, instrumentation packages and equipment to support production engine test and integration.
• Act as sole ‘buck‑stops‑here’ owner for static‑fire production testing operations
• Design test procedures and processes for production technicians to operate test facilities
• Develop system requirements and test campaigns for Anduril’s wide range of airbreathing turbine applications.
• Work with engine control systems including FADEC’s, ECU’s, Starter‑Generators and related hardware.
• Work with actuators, sensors, connectors and architecture of engine control systems.
• Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test.
• Lead data reviews and root cause investigations

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar.
• 2+ years relevant engineering experience in gas turbine, aerospace test engineering, or rocket propulsion roles
• Experiencing designing, building and qualifying test equipment
• Experience with instrumentation types, selection and data acquisition
• Familiarity with test planning, readiness reviews, P&IDs and other test documentation
• Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language
• Experience with airbreathing or rocket propulsion testing
• Ability to collaborate well with other electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
• Practical experience with diagnostics monitoring, failure detection, RCCA and data analysis.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
• Travel time up to 50%
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to assist with designing simple mechanical parts (CAD). Knowledge of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.) preferred.
• Experience in procuring development parts and working in a fabrication environment
• Familiarity with CAN, XCP, ARINC or other common bus protocols
• Experience with CANape or similar CAN interface tool.
• Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics.

US Salary Range

$129,000 – $171,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.