Staff Propulsion Test Engineer

Samson Rose; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Samson Rose seeks a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build and operate propulsion test infrastructure for next‑generation turbo machinery and jet engines. You will own end‑to‑end development from an empty test bay to first‑fire, including mechanical structures, fluid systems, instrumentation, and controls.

This hands‑on role requires designing hardware, commissioning fluid systems, and collaborating with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, and external partners to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, commissioning and operating propulsion or mechanical test systems.
• Strong foundation in high‑pressure fluid systems, instrumentation and high‑speed data acquisition (ASME B31.3 or equivalent).
• Ability to collaborate across technical teams during test events.
• Compliance with export‑control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning mechanical, fluid, controls and instrumentation systems.
• Design structural hardware and high‑pressure fluid systems for propulsion testing.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews (safety, instrumentation, limits) before tests.
• Architect and integrate instrumentation, DAQ and control systems for reliable measurements.
• Lead assembly, first‑flow activation, shakedown and SOP development.
• Safely execute engine test campaigns.
• Partner with Performance Engineering to analyze results and resolve issues.
• Automate test operations to improve reliability and data quality.
• Foster ownership, safety and technical excellence.

Skills

Propulsion test design

High‑pressure fluid systems

Instrumentation & DAQ

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC systems

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an advanced manufacturing company building integrated engineering and manufacturing solutions for some of the world's most demanding industries. It is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. The organization moves fast, builds first-of-a-kind hardware, and puts safety and technical excellence first.

The Role

Our client is looking for a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build and operate propulsion test infrastructure that speeds up the development of next-generation turbo machinery and jet engines.

From an empty test bay to first-fire, you will own the end-to-end development of propulsion test capability. That covers designing mechanical structures, integrating high-pressure fluid systems, implementing instrumentation and controls, commissioning the facility, and ultimately leading test campaigns.

This is a highly hands‑on role for an engineer who is equally comfortable designing structural hardware, specifying instrumentation, commissioning fluid systems and troubleshooting on the test floor. You will work closely with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software and external partners to turn ambitious testing goals into safe, repeatable, data‑rich test campaigns.

What You'll Own

• Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning the mechanical, fluid, controls and instrumentation systems for safe, repeatable engine testing.
• Design structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems and facility equipment that meet demanding propulsion testing requirements.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews, including safety, instrumentation and limits reviews, ahead of test events.
• Architect and integrate instrumentation, DAQ and control systems that deliver reliable, high‑fidelity measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
• Lead assembly, first‑flow activation, shakedown testing and operating procedure development.
• Safely execute engine test campaigns.
• Partner with Performance Engineering to analyze results, benchmark engine performance and resolve technical issues through root‑cause investigation.
• Automate test operations and improve reliability, throughput and data quality as propulsion programs evolve.
• Build a culture of ownership, safety and technical excellence.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, commissioning and operating complex propulsion or mechanical test systems, including hands‑on integration, troubleshooting and test execution.
• Strong foundation in high‑pressure fluid systems, instrumentation and high‑speed data acquisition. This includes pressure system design, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and reliable, high‑fidelity test data systems built to ASME B31.3 or equivalent standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and functional teams before and during test events.
• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export‑control requirements.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience testing turbo machinery, gas turbines or jet engines.
• Strong understanding of propulsion test planning, execution, data acquisition and performance analysis.
• Experience with advanced sensing technologies, including fiber optic instrumentation.
• Experience with PLCs, industrial controls, automation or integrated test control systems.
• Familiarity with vibration, NVH and propulsion performance characterization.
• Experience in fast‑paced R&D or first‑of‑a‑kind hardware environments.
• A builder's mindset: you naturally see how to turn an empty space into a safe, efficient, highly capable test facility.
• A collaborative leadership style with a track record of helping multidisciplinary teams deliver complex technical systems.

Work Environment

This is a hands‑on, onsite position supporting test stand construction, commissioning and recurring engine testing. You will regularly work around high‑pressure fluid systems, aviation fuels and active propulsion testing. You will work closely with Performance Engineering, Software Engineering, manufacturing teams and external engineering partners.