Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Astromecha; 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 and transparent stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy

Job summary

Astromecha, based in San Francisco, is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to design and maintain test infrastructure for innovative jet engines. You will ensure rigorous quality testing for new designs prior to aircraft integration.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in fluidic and mechanical systems, with proficiency in PLC programming and data processing software. The company offers comprehensive benefits including flexible work policies and a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Experience with fluidic and mechanical systems

Proficiency with PLC and data processing software

Attention to detail

Ability to work in hazardous environments

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

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 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.