Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Industrious Ventures; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) program

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy

Company-funded perks

Job summary

Industrious Ventures in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to develop and enhance testing infrastructure for advanced jet engines. You will manage test operations, ensuring that every new design meets stringent quality and performance metrics before aircraft integration.

Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience with fluidic and mechanical systems and be proactive in improving test capabilities. This full-time position offers comprehensive benefits and values collaborative office work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, test operations.
• Experience with hazardous environments (flammables, high voltage, pressurized systems).
• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Architect test stand design and documentation for testing components.
• Maintain test facility operations and troubleshoot problems.
• Analyze data for equipment activation, calibration, and operation.

Skills

Fluidic and mechanical systems

Test operations

Hazardous environments

Data acquisition and control systems

PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)

Attention to detail

Continuous improvement

Job description

Location

San Francisco

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Testing

Compensation

• $150K – $225K

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who is capable of designing, fabricating, operating, and improving on complex mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems for conducting rigorous testing of our innovative jet engine and subsystems. Your work at Astro Mechanica will keep test operations running smoothly, while constantly expanding and improving test capabilities.

In this role, your mission will be to create and operate test infrastructure for hardware research and development. You will have firsthand responsibility that every new design is rigorously tested to ensure quality and performance metrics are met prior to aircraft integration before leaving the ground. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Architect test stand design and documentation (engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics, test procedures) for testing components to integrated systems
• Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness
• Implement robust data and video recording infrastructure
• Analyze data for equipment activation, calibration, and operation
• Diagnose stand problems efficiently and perform corrective actions
• Continually improve facility capabilities to increase test throughput and reliability
• Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)
• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, test operations
• Experience with hazardous environments (flammables, high voltage, pressurized systems) and safety mitigations
• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatics)
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems, PLC hardware, computer networking, and software interfaces
• Proficiency with PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment
• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment
• Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation Range: $150K - $225K