Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Airbus Ventures; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex-Friday schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is hiring a Senior Test Engineer to lead the design, development, commissioning, and operation of cutting-edge propulsion test facilities. You will own the full test lifecycle—from high-pressure fluid to automated test stands—and mentor teams to advance safety and performance.

The role requires 8+ years in propulsion/test engineering, robust knowledge of fluid systems, and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and operations. On-site in Houston, ITAR aware.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of engineering experience in propulsion/test environments.
• 5+ years enabling engine testing or complex mechanical test systems.
• Experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting high-pressure fluid systems and DAQ.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete test lifecycle from concept to flight-ready hardware.
• Design, develop, commission and operate test facilities and automated stands.
• Mentor engineers, drive root-cause investigations, and improve safety and reliability.

Skills

Test engineering

High-pressure systems

DAQ systems

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Cross-functional

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Atlassian

Job description

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Senior Test Engineer
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Test Engineer to play a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of aerospace propulsion systems and vehicles. In this highly visible position, you will take a leading role in the design, development, commissioning, and operation of cutting-edge propulsion test facilities that transform innovative concepts into flight-ready hardware. You will own the complete test lifecycle—from architecting high-pressure fluid, pneumatic, hydraulic, and cryogenic systems to developing automated test stands, creating test plans and hazard analyses, and executing critical development and qualification campaigns.

As a technical leader, you will work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex challenges, analyze high-value test data, drive root-cause investigations, and implement innovative solutions that improve safety, reliability, and performance. You'll mentor the next generation of engineers, shape the future of our test capabilities, and make a direct impact on the success of groundbreaking propulsion technologies. If you're passionate about building world-class test systems, thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, and are excited by the opportunity to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering, we want you on our team.

What You Have

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, AerospaceEngineeringor related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience with at least 5 years supportingenginetestingor complex mechanical test systems.
• Experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and automated test systems.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively partneracrossengineering, manufacturing, operations,propulsionand other multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate a positive, collaborative attitude while providing technical leadership, driving projects to successful completion, and mentoring junior engineers to foster their technical growth and professional development.
• Work outdoors in varying weatherin required PPE.
• Root cause analysis
• Lift up to 50 lbs.

What Will Set You Apart

• 8+years supportingliquid rocketengine testing.
• 5+ years of experiencesupporting hazardous test operationswithHTP, RP-1, helium, or cryogenic systems.
• 5+years of experience with CAD modeling software
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter,and Atlassian suite.
• Deliver new test capabilities on schedule.
• Improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.Experience.
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor.

Location: On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITARhere.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please [e-mail] call [phone].This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit ourEEOP page.