Test Engineer

Socket.dev; Crane (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Paid leave, parental leave, disability

Job summary

CFD Research in Crane, IN seeks a Test Engineer to lead system integration and testing for hypersonic vehicles. You will develop procedures, schedule tests, and ensure readiness across flight, ground, and simulation environments.

Responsibilities include coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, and QA, managing risks, and documenting results. A US citizen with DoD SECRET clearance and a mechanical/engineering degree is required, with 3+ years’ experience or 5–7 years in lieu of degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM).
• 3+ years of relevant experience OR 5–7 years in lieu of degree.
• Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace/defense systems.
• Ability to create, track, and close discrepancy reports.
• Familiarity with telemetry checkout equipment and ground support operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for integration and hardware verification.

Responsibilities

• Lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and subsystems.
• Plan, develop procedures, schedule, and execute system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders for test readiness and results.
• Mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks and document integration processes.
• Coordinate test schedules with missions and other Test Engineers to optimize resources.

Skills

Test procedures development

Aerospace systems

Telemetry operations

Discrepancy tracking

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Telemetry checkout equipment

Ground support equipment

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com CFD Research Corporation is seeking a Test Engineer to join our rapidly-growing team in Crane, IN, to help in our mission to collaboratively advance the state of hypersonics research and development in the United States. The Test Engineer will lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. This role is responsible for planning, developing procedures, scheduling, and executing system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests. Key duties include managing hardware and software integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and protocols, and verifying/validating system performance requirements. The Test Engineer will coordinate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to ensure test readiness, capture and analyze results, document integration processes, and proactively mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks. The role also includes coordinating test schedules with other missions and Test Engineers to optimize usage of Integration and Environmental Test resources.

Basic Qualifications

• Candidate must be a US Citizen and have an active DoD SECRET clearance.
• Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar STEM discipline) and 3+ years of relevant experience OR 5-7 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace, defense, or high-performance systems.
• Ability to create, track, complete and close discrepancy reports.
• Familiarity with telemetry checkout equipment and other vehicle/payload ground support equipment operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for performing fit checks, integration operations, and hands-on hardware verification.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting DoD or private testing campaigns working on government contracts.
• Hands-on integration experience with hardware and/or software systems.
• Experience supporting rocket launched or high-performance systems.
• Familiarity with environmental test systems such as vibration, mass properties, flight safety processes, and telemetry integration.
• Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories