Test Technician

Venus Aerospace; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; 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 seeks a Test Technician to support hypersonic vehicle development through hands-on testing, stand operations, and troubleshooting. You will handle fabrication and instrumentation tasks, and work at Ellington Airport in outdoor test environments.

Requires 4+ years of experience, strong P&ID literacy, and proficiency with instrumentation, pumps, and safety protocols, including Hazmat procedures.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Fabrication experience including seamless tube bending, flaring, metal fabrication and precision drilling.
• Ability to read and understand a P&ID and system function.
• Instrumentation experience: troubleshooting sensors, wiring, soldering, crimping.
• Proficient in operating and maintaining pumps and boosters (vacuum, hydrostatic, pneumatic).
• Experience with forklifts and access equipment (sky track, boom lift, scissor lift).
• Clear communication and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to follow Hazmat protocols and handle hazardous chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Participate in test activities for hypersonic vehicle development.
• Test propulsion engines, structures, and instrumentation checkouts.
• Support setup, breakdown, upgrades, and maintenance of test stands.
• Assist with additional test and operations tasks as needed.
• Test outdoors at Ellington Airport for extended periods.

Skills

Fabrication

P&ID reading

Instrumentation

Pumps & boosters

Communication

Troubleshooting

Hazmat handling

Lifting 40 lbs

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 Technician

As a Test Technician, you’ll help drive hypersonic vehicle development through hands-on testing, test stand support, and troubleshooting. This role is perfect for skilled technicians with fabrication and instrumentation experience who thrive in fast-paced, safety-first environments.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Participate in test activities that lead to the development of a hypersonic vehicle.
• Testing over a broad range of tests including propulsion engine, structures, instrumentation checkouts, etc.
• Support setup, break-down, upgrades, and maintenance of test stands.
• Assist with additional test and operational activities as required.
• Support testing outside, located at Ellington Airport for extended periods of time.
• Operate in a safe manner and adhere to all safety guidelines.

What You Have

• 4+ years relevant experience.
• Fabrication experience such as seamless tube bending and flaring, metal fabrication, precision drilling, and precision cleaning, etc.(Need to know the exact use cases for tools and how to choose the right approach to each job).
• Ability to read and understand a P&ID (Blue Print) and understand a systems function.
• Instrumentation experience such as troubleshooting sensors, wire routing/harnessing, soldering, and crimping, etc.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining pumps and boosters of all types — vacuum, hydrostatic, and pneumatic.
• Operational experience with forklift, sky track, boom lift, and scissor lift.
• Ability to communicate clearly and proficiently over communication devices.
• Troubleshooting skills for mechanical and electrical issues.
• Ability to follow Hazmat protocols in dealing with hazardous chemicals and waste.
• Capable of safely lifting up to 40-lbs.

What Will Set You Apart

• Technical expertise with R&D test operations which includes building, maintaining, and operating test stands: engine test, structural test, flow test, etc.
• GSE fabrication
• Familiarity with propulsion systems
• A&P Certification
• Experience with pressurized gasses and liquids up to 6000 psia
• Bring a strong work ethic and positive attitude. We face complex problems daily and seek teammates who bring solutions and positivity to the effort

Location:

On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan
• stock options
• medical benefits, including dental and vision
• flex-Friday flexible schedule
• unlimited PTO
• 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.