Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Speedrun Talent Network; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with stock options

Flexible time off policy

Flexible work environment

Team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

Job summary

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to design, fabricate, operate, and improve test stands for mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems in jet engine testing. You will own test infrastructure from conception to operation, ensuring rigorous validation before integration and expanding capabilities while maintaining safety and quality.

Your role emphasizes building robust test environments, analyzing data, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace setting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems and test operations.
• Experience with hazardous environments and safety mitigations.
• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatics).
• Familiarity with data acquisition, control systems, PLC hardware, computer networking, and software interfaces.
• Proficiency with PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement beyond assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Architect test stand design and documentation for testing components to integrated systems.
• Maintain test facility operations and maintenance; troubleshoot problems.
• 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 throughput and reliability.
• Harness assembly including crimping/soldering terminals and cable management.
• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutters, mills, lathes).

Skills

Fluidic systems

Hazards & safety

Instrumentation

PLC & Networking

Data analysis tools

Continuous improvement

Fast-paced work

Attention to detail

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

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.