Senior Propulsion Test Engineer - Lead Hot-Fire Ops

Anduril Industries; Ashville (OH); On-site; USD 127,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Top-tier benefits

Job summary

Anduril Industries in the United States seeks a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to develop, build, and execute test campaigns for production propulsion systems and micro-turbojets. You will own test setups, write Python software on Linux, and serve as Test Director during hot-fire runs, ensuring safety, data fidelity, and repeatable results.

This role covers hardware-in-the-loop testing, instrumentation, CAN bus interfacing, and collaboration with propulsion engineers to adapt tests as designs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields OR 10+ years of advanced knowledge acquired through work experience and/or intellectual instruction in lieu of degree
• Demonstrated experience in managing control room operations, coordinating complex test schedules, and maintaining accurate inventory tracking systems
• 8+ years of hands‑on experience in propulsion testing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) test setups, or engine test cell operations
• Direct, hands‑on experience with micro‑turbojet engine testing (mandatory)
• Proven experience serving as a Test Director, console operator, or lead test engineer during live engine runs or hazardous hot‑fire operations
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and wiring test racks, instrumentation boxes, and benchtop DAQ systems
• Proficiency writing automated test, control, and data acquisition software in Python within a Linux/Unix environment
• Strong Linux/Unix systems knowledge, including terminal command‑line proficiency, SSH, and network configuration/debugging
• Hands‑on experience with CAN bus hardware interfaces and messaging protocols for control and data logging
• Experience selecting, wiring, and calibrating sensors: pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and flow meters
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

• Serve as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, managing test stand operations, console communication, go/no-go criteria, and emergency abort procedures
• Design, build, and maintain propulsion test hardware infrastructure, including instrumented test racks, sensor harnesses, engine test stands, and thrust measurement fixtures
• Author comprehensive propulsion test plans, run procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria in close collaboration with development engineers
• Develop robust, automated test and data acquisition software in Python running on Linux/Unix systems to control engine profiles and record telemetry
• Implement and debug CAN bus communications to interface with Engine Control Units (ECUs), smart actuators, fuel pumps, and test stand controllers
• Integrate and calibrate propulsion test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples/RTDs, mass flow meters, and vibration sensors
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot Linux/Unix test systems using terminal command-line tools, SSH, and network debugging utilities
• Perform rapid root‑cause analysis (RCCA) on unexpected engine behaviors, instrumentation dropouts, or hardware anomalies observed during test execution
• Analyze post‑test steady‑state and transient telemetry (thrust, fuel flow, turbine inlet temperature, spool response) and generate detailed test summary reports
• Maintain and scale propulsion test cell facilities, driving improvements in turnaround time, automated checkout procedures, and facility safety
• Train Manufacturing Test Engineers and Technicians in best practices for Propulsion Test and Evaluation criteria

Job description

Anduril Industries in the United States seeks a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to develop, build, and execute test campaigns for production propulsion systems and micro-turbojets. You will own test setups, write Python software on Linux, and serve as Test Director during hot-fire runs, ensuring safety, data fidelity, and repeatable results.

This role covers hardware-in-the-loop testing, instrumentation, CAN bus interfacing, and collaboration with propulsion engineers to adapt tests as designs