Propulsion Test Operations Engineer (m/f/d)

Isar Aerospace SE; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee participation in stock plan

30 days vacation

Subsidised lunch

Relocation support

Company transport

Wellness allowance

Learning budget

OpenUp mental health support

Other perks

Job summary

Isar Aerospace SE in Los Angeles is seeking a Test Operations Engineer to lead planning, execution, and evaluation of propulsion tests for liquid rocket engines and subsystems.

You will coordinate test campaigns, develop procedures, and monitor tests from the control room, ensuring safety and reliability while supporting design, maintenance, and facility teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, chemical, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, testing, or developing complex mechanical or fluid systems.
• Experience with process systems involving gases, liquids, pressure systems, pumps, valves, instrumentation, or similar industrial equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues methodically and implement practical corrective actions.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to support design, modification, and commissioning activities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced test environments and maintaining focus during critical operations.
• Physical dexterity is required, as the role may involve working in confined spaces and on industrial equipment.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25 kg.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate propulsion test campaigns, supporting development, verification, and qualification activities.
• Develop, review, and execute test procedures, operational documentation, and risk assessments.
• Operate and monitor tests from the control room, ensuring safe execution and responding to off-nominal conditions.
• Analyze test and facility data to verify test objectives, investigate anomalies, and support root cause analysis.
• Develop and continuously improve test operations procedures, work instructions, and processes.
• Collaborate with design, maintenance, and facility engineering teams to prepare, commission, operate, and improve test facilities and ground support equipment.
• Support system commissioning, operational readiness reviews, and the introduction of new test capabilities.

Skills

Test operations

Troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Fluid systems

Instrumentation

English fluency

Working in fast-paced environments

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in aerospace, mechanical, chemical, or industrial engineering

Job description

Mission Brief

The Test Operations Engineer is part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the development and verification testing of liquid rocket engines and their subsystems. The role focuses on the planning, execution, and evaluation of propulsion tests, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable test operations while coordinating closely with design, maintenance, and operations teams.

Your Role in Our Space Mission:

• Plan and coordinate propulsion test campaigns, supporting development, verification, and qualification activities.
• Develop, review, and execute test procedures, operational documentation, and risk assessments.
• Operate and monitor tests from the control room, ensuring safe execution and responding to off-nominal conditions.
• Analyze test and facility data to verify test objectives, investigate anomalies, and support root cause analysis.
• Develop and continuously improve test operations procedures, work instructions, and processes.
• Collaborate with design, maintenance, and facility engineering teams to prepare, commission, operate, and improve test facilities and ground support equipment.
• Support system commissioning, operational readiness reviews, and the introduction of new test capabilities.

Qualification Checklist

• Relevant technical qualification, bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, chemical, industrial engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, testing, or developing complex mechanical or fluid systems.
• Experience with process systems involving gases, liquids, pressure systems, pumps, valves, instrumentation, or similar industrial equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues methodically and implement practical corrective actions.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and the ability to support design, modification, and commissioning activities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced test environments and maintaining focus during critical operations.
• Physical dexterity is required, as the role may involve working in confined spaces and on industrial equipment.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25 kg.
• Fluent in English.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with high-pressure, cryogenic, hazardous, flammable, or other demanding process systems.
• Hands-on experience with fluid systems, piping, tubing, valves, regulators, and instrumentation.
• Experience planning and performing maintenance on industrial or test equipment.
• Experience commissioning new equipment, facilities, or process systems.
• Familiarity with data analysis and interpretation of test or operational data.
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language (Python, MATLAB, C#, etc.).

Benefits

• Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program
• 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge
• Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day
• Relocation support: Benefit from our relocation bonus with deductible expenses up to an agreed amount, as well as the option for subsidised temporary housing
• Transportation to/from work: Convenient and affordable transportation with company cars available for pick-up and drop-off at designated times
• Wellness allowance: Stay healthy and fit with our yearly 5.000 SEK allowance for wellness activities (e.g Gym, Massages)
• Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period
• Physical and mental well-being: Access via OpenUp the online support from certified psychologists and lifestyle experts at no cost to you and your family
• And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team.

Who we are

We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.

Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.

We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.

We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!

Want to find out more about us?

Visit www.isaraerospace.com

Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.