Manufacturing Test Engineering, Propulsion

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d

About The Position

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will develop, build, and execute test campaigns that qualify mission-critical air vehicle propulsion systems and micro-turbojets for production. You will own the physical and software test setups used to validate engine performance, reliability, and operating limits, partnering with propulsion development engineers as engine designs evolve.

You will manage the full lifecycle of engine testing, including designing and fabricating test racks and instrumentation suites, developing Python-based test software on Linux/Unix platforms, and controlling and monitoring engine subassemblies over CAN bus networks. During live engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, you will serve as Test Director, responsible for test cell safety, command execution, real-time data monitoring, and emergency abort sequences.

The role also involves analyzing test results, investigating anomalies, maintaining and improving test facilities, and producing detailed test documentation and reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing control room operations, coordinating complex test schedules, and maintaining accurate inventory tracking systems.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in propulsion testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, or engine test cell operations.
• Direct, hands-on experience with micro-turbojet engine testing (mandatory).
• Experience serving as a Test Director, console operator, or lead test engineer during live engine runs or hazardous hot-fire operations.
• Experience designing, building, and wiring test racks, instrumentation boxes, and benchtop DAQ systems.
• Proficiency writing automated test, control, and data acquisition software in Python within a Linux/Unix environment.
• Strong Linux/Unix systems knowledge, including command-line proficiency, SSH, and network configuration and debugging.
• Hands-on experience with CAN bus hardware interfaces and messaging protocols for control and data logging.
• Experience selecting, wiring, and calibrating pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and flow meters.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Broader turbine, rocket, or internal combustion engine test experience.
• Experience with fluid systems, high-pressure plumbing, fuel delivery lines, valves, and regulators (e.g., Swagelok).
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks for engine test stand and mounting fixture design.
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition platforms such as National Instruments cDAQ/cRIO and hardware-level signal conditioning.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or aerospace quality standards as applied to flight hardware testing and validation.
• Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, managing test stand operations, console communication, go/no-go criteria, and emergency abort procedures.
• Design, build, and maintain propulsion test hardware, including instrumented test racks, sensor harnesses, engine test stands, and thrust measurement fixtures.
• Author propulsion test plans, run procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with development engineers.
• Develop automated test and data acquisition software in Python on Linux/Unix systems to control engine profiles and record telemetry.
• Implement and debug CAN bus communications with Engine Control Units (ECUs), smart actuators, fuel pumps, and test stand controllers.
• Integrate and calibrate propulsion test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples/RTDs, mass flow meters, and vibration sensors.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot Linux/Unix test systems using command-line tools, SSH, and network debugging utilities.
• Perform rapid root-cause analysis on unexpected engine behavior, instrumentation dropouts, and hardware anomalies during testing.
• Analyze post-test steady-state and transient telemetry, including thrust, fuel flow, turbine inlet temperature, and spool response, and generate test summary reports.
• Maintain and scale propulsion test cell facilities and improve turnaround time, automated checkout procedures, and facility safety.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, described as a comprehensive, competitive package available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level