Head of Test

Cowboy Space•Seattle, WA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. About the Role : We are looking for a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division. Reporting to the Head of Propulsion & Launch, you will be responsible for standing up the facilities, infrastructure, teams, and processes needed to test rocket propulsion systems and vehicle stages at high cadence. You will define the test philosophy for the program—what to test, how to test it, and what “good” looks like—and then build the organization that executes against that standard. This is a ground-up leadership role: you will make foundational decisions on test stand architecture, data acquisition systems, control software, and staffing, and you will be accountable for delivering test results that feed directly into vehicle development and flight readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering field.
10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or propulsion development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams and test facilities.
Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands (engine or stage level) including structural, fluid, and electrical systems.
Strong background in data acquisition systems architecture: sensor selection, signal conditioning, sampling rates, real-time data display, and post-test processing pipelines.
Experience with test control and sequencing systems—whether PLC/PAC-based, custom real-time software, or commercial platforms (NI, dSPACE, or equivalent)—for automated test execution and abort safing.
Demonstrated ability to build and scale a test organization: hiring, training, establishing procedures and safety culture, and driving operational cadence in a hardware-rich environment.
Hands-on experience executing hazardous test operations (propulsion hot-fire, pressurized systems, cryogenic operations) with a strong safety record.

Nice To Haves

Experience standing up a test facility from greenfield or near-greenfield: site selection input, facility design, permitting coordination, construction oversight, and operational activation.
Background in high-cadence test environments (multiple tests per week) with rapid turnaround processes, lean maintenance scheduling, and production-rate testing concepts.
Familiarity with test software development: real-time control code (C/C++, LabVIEW RT, or MATLAB/Simulink), automated data reduction scripts (Python), and health-monitoring/trending systems.
Experience with both liquid-propulsion and pressurized-gas systems testing, including cryogenic propellant handling (LOX, LCH4, LH2) and associated safety/environmental compliance (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, local AHJ).
Working knowledge of test measurement uncertainty analysis, calibration standards (ISO 17025), and thrust measurement system design (force measurement systems, load cells, calibration fixtures).

Responsibilities

Define and own the integrated test plan across propulsion (component, engine, and stage level) and vehicle stages—from development testing through acceptance and qualification—with clear objectives, success criteria, and cadence targets.
Design, build, and commission test stands and test cells for engine hot-fire, stage static-fire, pressurization system proof, and component-level acceptance testing; own the facility from concept through operational readiness.
Make architecture decisions for data acquisition (DAQ) systems, real-time control and sequencing software, and instrumentation standards; ensure the test infrastructure scales with program needs and supports rapid turnaround between tests.
Build, lead, and develop a team of test engineers, test conductors, instrumentation engineers, data analysts, and technicians; establish roles, career paths, and a culture of operational discipline and continuous improvement.
Establish test standards, procedures, and safety protocols across the launch organization; define redlines, commit criteria, abort logic, and post-test data review processes that become the program’s testing backbone.
Own test fixture and tooling design—thrust measurement systems, load frames, fluid interface panels, environmental conditioning equipment, and handling GSE—ensuring they meet measurement accuracy and schedule requirements.
Drive test campaign execution at high cadence: manage schedules, resolve hardware/facility issues in real time, and maintain a bias toward rapid iteration and short cycle times between anomaly and re-test.
Lead post-test data review, anomaly investigation, and root-cause analysis; ensure findings are fed back into design, manufacturing, and operations teams with clear corrective actions.
Manage test facility budgets, schedules, capital expenditure planning, and vendor/subcontractor relationships for construction, calibration services, and specialized test equipment procurement.
Coordinate with propulsion, structures, fluids, avionics, and flight operations teams to align test campaigns with vehicle development milestones, flight readiness reviews, and launch schedules.