Test & Evaluation Engineer - Principal

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. seeks a Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer to own assembly, instrumentation, and testing of propulsion hardware for launch vehicles.

You will assemble, instrument, and test components and complete vehicles under SME guidance across key areas. Responsibilities include building and leading the Test & Evaluation division within the ACX Engineering Team, fabricating propulsion test hardware, and planning instrumentation integration with pressure, temperature, and strain sensors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience testing rocket-powered launch vehicles.
• Familiarity with solid rocket motors and amateur rocketry.
• Proficient with CAD software (SolidWorks) and LabVIEW.
• Skilled in machining, metal fabrication, and instrumentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build the Test & Evaluation division within the Engineering Team of ACX.
• Lead fabrication of propulsion test hardware and ground support equipment.
• Lead design of fixtures, mounts, stands, and launchers.
• Plan integration of instrumentation (pressure, temperature, strain).
• Oversee DAQ setup, calibration, and test execution.
• Document test plans, safety reviews, and test reports.

Skills

Strong communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Machining skills

Instrumentation

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

DAQ systems (NI, Kulite, HBM)

Job description

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer to own the assembly, instrumentation, and testing of propulsion hardware for our launch vehicles. You’ll be responsible for assembling, instrumenting, and testing components, subsystems, and complete vehicles using your technical background and available references, under the guidance of subject matter experts in several key areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Build the Test & Evaluation division within the Engineering Team of ACX.
• Lead the fabrication of propulsion test hardware and associated ground support equipment.
• Lead the design of fixtures, mounts, stands, and launchers.
• Plan the integration of instrumentation: pressure, temperature, strain.
• Oversee DAQ setup, calibration, and test execution.
• Manage documentation of test plans, safety reviews, and test reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant field.
• 10+ years of experience testing rocket-powered launch vehicles.
• Familiarity with solid rocket motors and amateur rocket development.
• Proficient with SolidWorks or other CAD software and familiarity with LabView.
• Skilled in machining, metal fabrication, and instrumentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or another relevant field.
• 15+ years of experience testing rocket-powered launch vehicles.
• Direct experience with solid rocket motors and amateur rocketry.
• Familiarity with DAQ systems (NI, Kulite, HBM, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range

• $150k-$200k

ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.