Test Engineer

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (including dental & v

Vision

Flex‑Friday schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace Corp. is seeking a Test Engineer to join our Houston on-site team. You will lead the design, fabrication, and commissioning of test stands for rocket propulsion hardware, validating mechanical and fluid systems under high-pressure and cryogenic conditions.

You'll generate P&IDs, analyze test data, and work cross-functionally with propulsion, structures, and manufacturing teams to ensure safe, reliable test operations and on-time delivery of critical hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 3+ years in fluid systems, test stand design, or test engineering (7+ years if no degree).
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals in high‑pressure/cryogenic environments.
• Experience writing procedures for test operations (loading propellant tanks, engine hot fires, safe configurations).
• Experience analyzing data from test stand instrumentation to guide decisions on issues or upgrades.
• Experience with CAD design and mechanical hardware development.
• Experience designing/integrating fluid system hardware: high‑pressure tubing, fittings, valves, regulators, pumps.
• Willingness and ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform outdoor hands‑on testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop test concepts and lead them through design, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support.
• Design and analyze mechanical and fluid systems for propulsion and structural testing.
• Generate and revise P&IDs for new and existing test stands and modify supporting structures.
• Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.
• Author detailed test procedures for new system testing and calibration of existing systems.
• Review and analyze test data to identify anomalies, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Support assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally during live test operations to ensure safe and successful execution.
• Work hands-on in the field to support fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.
• Provide support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.

Skills

Test stand design

Fluid systems

Cryogenic systems

P&ID development

CAD modeling

Data analysis

Instrumentation

Hands-on testing

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

DIAdem

Confluence

Jira

Job description

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Test EngineerAs a Test Engineer, you will play a key role on a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing test concepts for hardware and bringing those concepts to life. You will be accountable for the design, analysis, development, fabrication, and maintenance of test equipment used across a wide range of applications—from rocket engines to structural airframe components.

If you’re excited by solving complex, real-world problems and want to see your work directly enable cutting-edge aerospace hardware, this role offers a rare opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact. Join a team with backgrounds ranging from major aerospace firms and chemical plants to government organizations and small, hands-on shops, all driven by ownership, innovation, and technical excellence.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Develop test concepts and lead them through design, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support.
• Design and analyze mechanical and fluid systems for propulsion and structural testing.
• Generate and revise piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new and existing test stands andmodifysupporting structures to meet evolving test requirements.
• Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.
• Author detailed test procedures for new system testing and calibration of existing systems.
• Review and analyze test data toidentifyanomalies, performance trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Support assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally during live test operations to ensure safe and successful execution.
• Work hands-on in the field to support fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.
• Provide support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.

What You Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience in fluid systems, test stand design, or test engineering; in lieu of a degree, 7+ years of relevant hands-on test experiencerequired
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals, with hands‑on experience working in high‑pressure and cryogenic system environments
• Experience writing procedures for test operations, includingloading propellant tanks,preparing for engine hot fires, getting the test stand into a safe configuration, etc.
• Experience with analyzing data gathered from test stand instrumentation to make decisions on test stand issues or upgrades
• Experience with designing mechanical hardware, including CAD work and structural/thermal analysis
• Experience designing and integrating fluid system hardware, including: High‑pressure tubing, pipe, vacuum‑jacketed (VJ) tubing, and flex hoses; NPT, compression, and 37° flared fittings; Pressure regulators and backpressure regulators; Ball, needle, check, butterfly, and solenoid valves; Safety devices such as burst discs and relief valves; VFDs, AC/DC motors; Positive displacement and centrifugal pumps; Stored energy K‑bottles and compressor systems
• Working knowledge of instrumentation systems,including:Absolute, gauge, and differential pressure transducers; Thermocouples and RTDs; High‑speed accelerometers; Load cells and strain‑gauge–based sensors; Flowmeters; Mechanical limit switches; Power supplies
• Demonstrated experience developing, updating, andmaintainingProcess & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and associated test documentation to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with engineering requirements
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional team environments
• Willingness and physical capability to support hands‑on test operations, including working outdoors,lifting upto 40 pounds, and taking onadditionalresponsibilities as needed to advance companyobjectives

What Will Set You Apart

• 5+ years of experience in a hardware testing environment
• 5+ years of CAD modeling experience
• 5+ years of fluid system design experience
• Background in metal fabrication
• Familiarity with hand tools and shop environments
• Experience with tools such as: LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python,DIAdem; Confluence, Jira; Microsoft Office Suite or similar platforms
• Experience with high‑speed or transient data acquisition systems
• Experience working in cryogenic or high‑temperature test environments
• Experience supporting hazardous test operations
• Strong cross‑functional communication during live test campaigns

Location:On‑site in Houston, TX

Benefits:Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call [phone].This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.