Test Facility Lead Engineer

Sierra Lobo; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Lobo seeks a Test Facility Lead Engineer at Edwards AFB, CA, to oversee the test facility operations and readiness for high-pressure rocket testing. The role requires extensive experience with liquid rocket engine RDT&E and engineering advisory skills.

The candidate will coordinate with AFRL staff and contractors, manage risk assessments, and prepare technical packages for milestone reviews. A bachelor’s in engineering/physics is required, with a master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in liquid rocket engine RDT&E facilities.
• Knowledge of propulsion research and development.
• Ability to communicate with senior leadership and internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of test facility, control rooms, data acquisition systems, and support infrastructure.
• Manages facility readiness for testing including mechanical systems, electrical systems, high pressure propellant systems, plumbing, and instrumentation.
• Supports the integration of test articles into the facility.
• Coordinates interfaces for power, fluid delivery, and data systems between the test article and facility.
• Analyzes and reviews technical packages for test facility upgrades and readiness.
• Prepares technical packages for milestone reviews with internal and external stakeholders including design reviews, facility readiness reviews, and test readiness reviews.
• Supports risk management and hazard analysis for test facility.
• Provides engineering technical support to project management including developing technical plans and roadmaps for test facility buildup and coordinating with AFRL staff and contractor personnel to plan and execute work.

Skills

Test facility engineering

Propulsion systems

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Location

US-CA-Edwards

Job Details

• Job ID: 2026-3465
• # Positions: 1
• Experience (Years): 8
• Type of Position: Regular Full-Time
• Level: Experienced (Non-Manager)
• Visa Requirements: Citizen only

Overview

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&A) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Liquid Rocket Research Engineer will provide expert technical advisory support for a variety of rocket propulsion development projects. Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development on various engine and launch vehicle technologies to enhance the nation's Space Access capability.

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies. We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems. Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Responsibilities

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&A) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propellant and rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Test Facility Lead Engineer will support the Government Lead and provide engineering advisory services for Test Stand TS-2A test facility infrastructure development to support Aerospace rocket engine RDT&E for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. The Test Facility Lead Engineer will ensure the test facility and supporting systems are fully operational and compliant for high pressure liquid rocket engine testing and provide engineering and project management advisory services to support test facility readiness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversees day-to-day operations of test facility, control rooms, data acquisition systems, and support infrastructure.
• Manages facility readiness for testing including mechanical systems, electrical systems, high pressure propellant systems, plumbing, and instrumentation.
• Supports the integration of test articles into the facility.
• Coordinates interfaces for power, fluid delivery, and data systems between the test article and facility.
• Analyzes and reviews technical packages for test facility upgrades and readiness.
• Prepares technical packages for milestone reviews with internal and external stakeholders including design reviews, facility readiness reviews, and test readiness reviews.
• Supports risk management and hazard analysis for test facility.

• Provides engineering technical support to project management including developing technical plans and roadmaps for test facility buildup and coordinating with AFRL staff and contractor personnel to plan and execute work.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Test facility engineering experience for Liquid Rocket engine RDT&E activities.
• Familiar with propulsion system research and development, including solid rocket motors, liquid engines, and/or in-space propulsion for test and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively to senior leadership and internal and external stakeholders.

Education:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a scientific discipline, preferably physics, aerospace, or engineering. Master's degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AFRL experience.
• Extensive experience in the field of rocket propulsion research and development.
• Demonstrated experience with sea-level test facility operations.

Mandatory Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a US citizen.
• Selectee will be subject to a background investigation prior to onboarding.
• Selectee must obtain a DoD security clearance.