Test Engineer

Volund Manufacturing • Huntington Beach, CA

9d • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Volund is building propulsion systems using advanced automation, precision manufacturing, and rapid iteration to move from prototype to production. Engineers work across the full stack, from concept and simulation through process code and machine execution.

The Test Engineer designs tests, builds the required hardware, runs tests, and investigates unexpected results. The role spans mechanical, fluids, thermal, electrical, controls, and software work. The engineer designs fixtures, adapters, plumbing, and supporting hardware from CAD through fabrication; assembles and wires test setups; prototypes shop solutions; installs and checks instrumentation; and configures and maintains data acquisition systems. The role also includes writing test plans and procedures, maintaining test-cell safety and organization, analyzing and presenting test data, identifying root causes across disciplines, and supporting engine light-off, component characterization, and development testing.

Volund emphasizes resourcefulness, hands-on building, ownership, curiosity, and the ability to quickly tackle unfamiliar problems. The role requires a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience, foundational jet-engine knowledge, working knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer, hands-on build experience, a demonstrated ability to execute quickly on unfamiliar problems, and U.S.-person status for ITAR compliance. Industry experience, internships, and co-ops are listed as nice to have, along with relevant technical skills.

The listed salary range is $130,000–$160,000 USD. The company also offers equity and the benefits listed in the posting. Employment is subject to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Fundamental understanding of jet engines, including the Brayton cycle, compressor/combustor/turbine matching, and relationships among thrust, airflow, fuel flow, pressure ratio, and turbine temperature.
• Working knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Hands-on build experience, such as Formula SAE, Baja, rocketry, Design/Build/Fly, research lab work, or personal garage projects.
• Demonstrated history of tackling unfamiliar problems and executing quickly.
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or permanent resident, as specified in the role requirements) due to ITAR export-control requirements.

Nice To Haves

• 0–3 years of industry experience; internships and co-ops count.
• CAD proficiency with SolidWorks, Onshape, or similar software.
• Experience with gas turbines, turbochargers, or other high-speed rotating machinery.
• DAQ experience with Dewesoft, NI/LabVIEW, or similar, and data analysis using Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
• Machining and fabrication skills (manual or CNC), welding, or sheet metal experience.
• Electrical skills, including reading schematics, building control boxes, soldering, and crimping connectors.
• Experience with fuel systems, combustion, or ignition systems.
• Familiarity with fluid fittings such as Swagelok and AN, and plumbing high-pressure systems.

Responsibilities

• Design test fixtures, adapters, plumbing, and supporting hardware from CAD through fabrication.
• Build, plumb, and wire test setups, including fuel systems, air supply, valves, pumps, sensors, and harnesses.
• Rapidly prototype solutions in the shop when tests require them.
• Install and check out instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, speed sensors, and flow meters.
• Configure and maintain the data acquisition system, including channel setup, scaling, and live calculated channels.
• Write test plans and procedures, conduct tests, and keep the test cell safe and organized.
• Analyze engine and component test data and present clear conclusions to the team.
• Investigate problems across fluid, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines to identify root causes.
• Support engine light-off, component characterization, and development testing.

Benefits

• Generous equity package.
• Platinum healthcare benefits with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at no cost to the employee.
• 100% covered basic life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Lunch and a fully stocked kitchen.
• Relocation assistance, depending on role eligibility.
• 401k Savings Plan.
• Real responsibility from day one, with work going directly onto running hardware.
• Opportunity to learn directly from engineers with deep jet-engine industry experience.

What This Job Offers

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