Senior Propulsion Test Engineer — Lead R&D Propulsion Tests

ASRC Federal; California; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental and vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Education assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

ASRC Federal Systems Solutions, a subsidiary of ASRC Federal, seeks a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test programs at Edwards AFB, CA, supporting AFRL research and development efforts. The role covers test buildup through full-scale testing of propulsion systems and requires CAD/CAE proficiency, strong propulsion knowledge, and U.S.

clearance eligibility. Responsibilities include developing test procedures, integrating hardware, and coordinating with suppliers and internal

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years experience with flight propulsion components, preferably in aerospace.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software and CAE tools for structural/thermal analysis.
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and materials for high-pressure/cryogenic applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, preparation, integration, and execution of propulsion tests for AFRL programs.
• Develop, review, and approve test procedures, plans, matrices, and post-test reports.
• Support hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of propulsion systems.
• Evaluate propulsion components, valves, actuators, and test systems for performance and safety.
• Apply fluids, thermodynamics, combustion, and materials knowledge to test analyses.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Combustion

Material science

Hardware testing

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Civil Engineering

8+ years propulsion experience

Tools

3D CAD software

CAE tools

FEA

CFD

Job description

ASRC Federal Systems Solutions, a subsidiary of ASRC Federal, requires a highly motivated Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support the ASTROS Contract. We are looking for someone with the ability to support from Test Buildup through to full scale testing of new propulsion systems. We support the testing of incredible propulsion systems at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and we are looking for the best people to be a part of this research.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, preparation, integration, and execution of propulsion system and component tests supporting AFRL research and development programs.
• Develop, review, and approve test procedures, test plans, test matrices, operating procedures, readiness documentation, and post-test reports.
• Support component and system-level design and engineering analysis for propulsion hardware and test systems.
• Evaluate valves, actuators, combustion devices, pressure vessels, piping, instrumentation, fluid systems, and associated propulsion components.
• Apply engineering principles involving fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, structural mechanics, materials, and high-pressure/cryogenic systems.
• Review or perform CAD, thermal, structural, FEA, CFD, and other engineering analyses as required.
• Manage propulsion interfaces, ensuring compatibility with vehicle-level architecture.
• Work with project team to ensure test stand build-up is on schedule and will meet customer requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on fabrication, assembly, and process improvements.
• Ensure Work Authorizations are written, reviewed by test site leadership, issued to technicians and follow-up is occurring through to closing the Work Authorization out.
• Review test control room analysis to ensure the proper tools are in place and test personnel are trained.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and drive design reviews
• Must be able to assess test stand structures for safety, quality and adherence to regulations and clearly communicate findings to the Customer’s Site Leader.
• Serve or observe the test dry runs and evaluate team and systems performance. Participate on or lead the Test Panel, providing engineering judgment and technical recommendations during test readiness reviews, pre-test meetings, test execution, and post-test evaluations.
• Must be able to develop relationship with buildup crew and create a strong team environment
• Diagnose propulsion-system and test-facility problems using engineering data, instrumentation, system diagrams, operating procedures, and direct hardware inspection.
• Provide routine briefings to Program Team, Customers and Program Manager of all assigned tasks related to Test Facility Build up.
• Assist in supporting senior leadership during a test readiness review prior to receiving customer’s permission to test.
• Must have the ability to maintain a professional demeanor
  Must have effective written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Education/Experience

• Engineering Degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering or a related Engineering Degree
• 8+ years of experience with flight propulsion components, preferably in aerospace
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software and CAE tools for structural/thermal analysis.
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and material science for high-pressure or cryogenic applications.
• Experience in hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of propulsion systems, fluid systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion, structural mechanics, and materials.
• Experience with high-pressure, cryogenic, vacuum, gaseous, liquid, or other hazardous propulsion/test systems.
• Proficiency with engineering drawings, P&IDs, schematics, system architectures, technical specifications, and test documentation.
• Experience with 3D CAD and engineering analysis tools; familiarity with FEA and CFD is preferred.
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, controls, data acquisition, and test-data analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause-analysis capabilities.
• Ability to interpret real-time test data and make sound engineering decisions under time-critical operating conditions.

Clearance:

Must be able to obtain a DOD secret clearance.