Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (supporting the Air Force Research Lab)

ASRC Federal; Edwards (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

ASRC Federal is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to support AFRL contracts. You will lead end-to-end propulsion tests, develop test plans, and review procedures, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant test campaigns.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace propulsion, expertise in 3D CAD and CAE tools, and a strong grasp of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and high‑pressure systems. On-site support at test facilities with a focus on quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
• 8+ years of experience with flight propulsion components, preferably in aerospace.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and CAE tools for structural/thermal analysis.
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, combustion, and materials.
• Experience in hardware assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, preparation, integration, and execution of propulsion tests for AFRL programs.
• Develop and approve test procedures, plans, matrices, and post-test reports.
• Support design analysis for propulsion hardware and test systems.
• Evaluate propulsion components, valves, actuators, and piping for testing.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams on fabrication and process improvements.
• Ensure test stand readiness, safety, and regulatory compliance during tests.

Skills

Propulsion systems

3D CAD

CAE tools

CFD/FEA

Test planning

Regulatory compliance

Root-cause analysis

Education

Engineering Degree in Mechanical or Civil

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CAD/CAE software

Job description

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned corporation, our work helps secure an enduring future for our shareholders. Join our team and discover why we are a top veteran employer and Certified Great Place to Work™. 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.

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.