Test Operator

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex Friday

Unlimited PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Venus Aerospace in Houston, TX is seeking a Test Operator to join our propulsion testing team. You will coordinate test campaigns, operate test stands, and drive safe, reliable testing of our Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine systems.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years hardware testing experience, hands-on instrumentation skills, and the ability to read P&IDs and follow engineering instructions. You will collaborate across disciplines and support ongoing improvements in test procedures and data

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of hardware test experience
• Hands-on knowledge of propulsion test components and instrumentation
• Ability to read P&IDs and understand gas/fluid flows
• Comfortable working outdoors and lifting up to 25 lbs

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute test campaigns including hot fires and tests
• Operate and monitor test stand systems and instrumentation
• Lead execution of test procedures ensuring safety and requirements
• Author and refine detailed test procedures; analyze data
• Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot instrumentation
• Support setup, upgrades, maintenance, and breakdown of test stands
• Serve as liaison between test, propulsion, manufacturing, and technicians

Skills

Hardware testing

P&ID reading

Instrumentation tasks

Communication skills

Team collaboration

MS Office

Tools

LabVIEW

PXIe

cRIO

cDAQ

Visio

Jira

Confluence

Python

MATLAB

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 Operator

As a Test Operator, you will be at the center of propulsion and systems testing, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and drive continuous improvements in test execution.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Coordinate and execute test campaigns, including propulsion hot fires, structural, vibration, thermal testing, and more.
• Operate and monitor test stand systems, propulsion hardware, and instrumentation.
• Lead the execution of test procedures, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and safety standards.
• Author, review, and refine detailed test procedures and analyze test data for accuracy and performance.
• Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot instrumentation issues and improve reliability.
• Support setup, upgrades, maintenance, and breakdown of test stands to ensure readiness for future campaigns.
• Act as the key liaison between test, propulsion, manufacturing, and technician teams to ensure smooth test stand operations.

What You Have

• 1 - 3 years of experience in a hardware testing environment. (Nationally recognized rocket club experience is accepted as qualifying hands‑on experience)
• Hands‑on knowledge of test components: valves, pneumatic actuators/solenoids, limit switches, relief valves, pressure transducers, thermocouples, pressure vessels, GUIs/HMIs, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to read P&IDs and understand the flow of gases and fluids
• Capable of performing basic instrumentation tasks, including wire cutting, crimping, and soldering
• Ability to read and follow engineering instructions and independently implement new tools or data collection methods
• Strong problem‑solving skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software.
• Clear communication skills, including over comms devices while operating consoles (computer workstation).
• Ability to thrive both as part of a collaborative team and as a self‑driven individual.
• Comfortable working outdoors as needed; able to lift up to 25 lbs; capable of extended desk/computer work.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with mechanical and fluid system design.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical fabrication.
• Experience with pressurized gases and liquids up to 6000psia.
• Experience with NI hardware (PXIe, cRIO, cDAQ).
• Experience designing and commissioning new test facilities.
• Experience with LabVIEW
• Experience with Vizio
• Experience with python or MATLAB
• Experience with Confluence or Jira

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 [email protected] 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 .

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.