Test & Development Engineer

Karman Industries • Los Angeles, CA

6d • $80,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Karman Industries is seeking a Test & Development Engineer to support development of next-generation electric heat pumps for industrial process heat electrification. The role contributes to the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical and thermal systems for the Thermal01 heat pump platform and future product lines.

The engineer will own technical work spanning structural, thermal, and turbomachinery hardware and drive testing from individual components through full industrial-scale system validation. The team emphasizes first-principles thinking, hands-on problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver cohesive, high-performance systems.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in a product development or test role.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical control equipment.
• Working experience with PLC controls, open- and closed-loop controls, preventative and corrective maintenance tasks, and calibration of plant instrumentation.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules.
• Ability to work with limited documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, preferably Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Experience with turbomachinery, heat exchangers, pressurized hardware, or high-temperature fluid systems.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, and testing of thermal or mechanical systems.
• Strong desire to learn, take initiative, and grow into technical ownership roles as the company scales.

Responsibilities

• Design and build test fixtures, tooling, and electromechanical systems.
• Assemble, troubleshoot, and operate first-of-kind thermal systems hands-on.
• Create and maintain accurate documentation of test methods and data.
• Implement testing software for automated testing and logging of high-energy systems.
• Understand performance requirements and expected system behaviors; assist with troubleshooting and qualification of new designs.
• Provide feedback to product engineering teams and participate in design reviews, process hazard analyses, and test campaign planning.
• Foster a strong safety culture, enforce safety standards, and generate HAZOP analyses.
• Manage multiple priorities with strong self-motivation and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Eligible full-time hires may receive long-term incentives in the form of stock options.
• Medical coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed