Rocket Propulsion Test Lead

Cowboy Space Corp.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 265,000 - 302,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Daily office lunch and stocked kitchen

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. in Seattle seeks a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division. You will stand up facilities, infrastructure, teams, and processes to test rocket propulsion systems and vehicle stages at high cadence.

This is a ground-up leadership role with decisions on test stand architecture, DAQ, control software, and staffing. You will deliver test results that feed vehicle development and flight readiness, while maintaining a strong safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering field.
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or propulsion development with leadership.
• Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands.
• Strong background in data acquisition systems architecture and real-time data processing.
• Experience with test control and sequencing systems for automated testing.
• Ability to build and scale a test organization with safety culture.
• Hands-on experience with hazardous propulsion tests and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the integrated test plan across propulsion and vehicle stages.
• Design, build, and commission test stands and cells for engine and stage testing.
• Make architecture decisions for DAQ, real-time control, and instrumentation.
• Build and develop a team of test engineers and technicians; establish roles and career paths.
• Establish test standards, procedures, and safety protocols across the launch organization.
• Own test fixture and tooling design to ensure accuracy and schedule adherence.
• Drive test campaigns at high cadence with rapid issue resolution and re-test.
• Lead post-test data review, root-cause analysis, and action tracking.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships for test equipment procurement.
• Coordinate with propulsion, structures, fluids, avionics, and flight operations teams.

Skills

Test engineering experience

Propulsion test stands

Data acquisition

Test control systems

Leadership

Hazardous test operations

Greenfield facility setup

High cadence testing

Real-time software

Propulsion testing

Measurement uncertainty

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace/Electrical engineering

Tools

LabVIEW RT

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

NI

dSPACE

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. in Seattle seeks a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division. You will stand up facilities, infrastructure, teams, and processes to test rocket propulsion systems and vehicle stages at high cadence.

This is a ground-up leadership role with decisions on test stand architecture, DAQ, control software, and staffing. You will deliver test results that feed vehicle development and flight readiness, while maintaining a strong safety