Principal Propulsion Test Engineer
About The Position
The Principal Propulsion Test Engineer for Propulsion Systems leads multi-engineer test teams, owns the technical direction of major motor programs or test facility operations, and drives organization-wide improvements to test strategy, process, and safety governance. The role reports to the Director of Propulsion Test & Evaluation and is based onsite in Pueblo, Colorado. The engineer oversees teams of propulsion test engineers, sets test strategy and resource plans for program milestones and qualification events, and represents test engineering in integrated product teams, program reviews, and customer or government briefings. The role also establishes and improves facility procedures, data standards, and safety frameworks; leads investigations of anomalous test events; contributes to facility capability roadmaps and capital investment planning; and supports proposals and business development. The position serves as an approving authority for test procedures, safety packages, and post-test technical reports. The role is primarily in an office and test facility environment, with periodic travel to customer sites or partner facilities up to 15%. The position requires access to information protected by U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR. Applicants must be U.S. persons or eligible to obtain the required export authorization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering with 10 years of progressive rocket motor static fire test experience; alternatively, a master's degree with 8 years of experience, or 14 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Prior technical lead, team lead, or supervisory experience in a propulsion or test engineering environment.
- Experience across at least two motor classes: solid, liquid, hybrid, or gas generator.
- Demonstrated ability to manage test resources against program schedule and cost constraints.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition standards, range safety regulations, and Acceptance Test Requirements (ATR) processes.
- Ability to hold and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
- 10 years of experience leading projects or programs of increasing scope and responsibility.
- 3 years of experience leading high-performing engineering teams of 3 or more.
- Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds.
- Must be a U.S. person or eligible to obtain required export authorization for access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
- TS/SCI eligibility.
- Experience with DoD program milestone reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and formal qualification test planning.
Responsibilities
- Direct a team of 3–8 propulsion test engineers across one or more active motor programs, managing workload, development, and technical quality.
- Own test strategy, resource allocation, and schedules for key program milestones and qualification events.
- Represent test engineering in integrated product teams, program reviews, and customer or government authority briefings.
- Establish, review, and continuously improve facility test procedures, data standards, and safety governance frameworks.
- Lead multidisciplinary investigations of anomalous test events and drive timely, technically rigorous findings.
- Contribute to test facility capability roadmaps and capital investment planning for new motor classes or enhanced instrumentation.
- Support proposal development and business development activities with technical content and level-of-effort estimates.
- Approve test procedures, safety packages, and post-test technical reports.
Benefits
- Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees.
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships with access to more than 12,700 nationwide options and free on-demand workout videos before enrollment.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match of up to 4%.
- Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
- Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources.
- Competitive total compensation package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and success.
- Opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
