Rocket Engine Test Automation Engineer

Leapspace; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program

Retirement Planning (401k)

Growth Opportunities stipend

Flexible Time Off

Hybrid work model

Health Benefits

Insurance Coverage

Job summary

LEAP is seeking an Automation Engineer – Test & Launch in Broomfield, CO to design, develop, and maintain automation that supports rocket engine testing and launch operations. You will build HMIs, integrate sensors and control hardware, and ensure reliable, safe automated ground systems for rapid development and higher launch cadence.

You will collaborate with Test & Launch, GSE, Avionics, and Software teams to deliver scalable, automated solutions and robust fault detection across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in automation or control systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and real-time automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, and industrial networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automation systems for rocket engine test stands and launch facilities.
• Develop automated control sequences for propellant loading, system chilldown, pressurization, and vent operations.
• Implement remote monitoring and control of test and launch facilities.
• Develop HMIs and health monitoring dashboards for operators.
• Ensure safe, reliable automated launch operations with fault detection and recovery.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial control systems

Real-time automation platforms

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Sensors & actuators integration

Troubleshooting & debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Wonderware

FactoryTalk

EtherCAT

EtherNet/IP

Modbus TCP

CAN

OPC UA

Python

C#

C++

Job description

LEAP is seeking an Automation Engineer – Test & Launch in Broomfield, CO to design, develop, and maintain automation that supports rocket engine testing and launch operations. You will build HMIs, integrate sensors and control hardware, and ensure reliable, safe automated ground systems for rapid development and higher launch cadence.

You will collaborate with Test & Launch, GSE, Avionics, and Software teams to deliver scalable, automated solutions and robust fault detection across facilities.