Test Engineer

Venus Aerospace•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Test Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team developing test concepts and turning them into operational hardware. The role is accountable for designing, analyzing, developing, fabricating, commissioning, operating, and maintaining test equipment for applications ranging from rocket engines to structural airframe components. The engineer will work hands-on with propulsion and structural test systems and collaborate across teams to support safe, successful test operations. The position is on-site in Houston, Texas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; alternatively, 7+ years of relevant hands-on test experience in lieu of a degree.
3+ years of experience in fluid systems, test stand design, or test engineering; the experience requirement is 7+ years for candidates without a degree.
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals, with hands-on experience in high-pressure and cryogenic system environments.
Experience writing procedures for test operations, including propellant tank loading, preparation for engine hot fires, and establishing safe test-stand configurations.
Experience analyzing data from test-stand instrumentation to make decisions about test-stand issues or upgrades.
Experience designing mechanical hardware, including CAD work and structural and thermal analysis.
Experience designing and integrating fluid-system hardware, including high-pressure tubing, pipe, vacuum-jacketed tubing and flex hoses; NPT, compression and 37° flared fittings; pressure and backpressure regulators; valves; burst discs and relief valves; VFDs and AC/DC motors; positive-displacement and centrifugal pumps; and stored-energy K-bottles and compressor systems.
Working knowledge of instrumentation systems, including pressure transducers, thermocouples and RTDs, high-speed accelerometers, load cells and strain-gauge sensors, flowmeters, mechanical limit switches, and power supplies.
Demonstrated experience developing, updating, and maintaining P&IDs and related test documentation for technical accuracy and alignment with engineering requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
Willingness and physical capability to support hands-on test operations, work outdoors, lift up to 40 pounds, and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements for access to controlled technology.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in a hardware testing environment.
5+ years of CAD modeling experience.
5+ years of fluid-system design experience.
Background in metal fabrication.
Familiarity with hand tools and shop environments.
Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, DIAdem, Confluence, Jira, Microsoft Office Suite, or similar platforms.
Experience with high-speed or transient data-acquisition systems.
Experience in cryogenic or high-temperature test environments.
Experience supporting hazardous test operations.
Strong cross-functional communication during live test campaigns.

Responsibilities

Develop test concepts and lead them through design, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support.
Design and analyze mechanical and fluid systems for propulsion and structural testing.
Generate and revise P&IDs for new and existing test stands and modify supporting structures as test requirements evolve.
Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.
Write detailed procedures for new system testing and calibration of existing systems.
Review and analyze test data to identify anomalies, performance trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Support assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test systems.
Collaborate cross-functionally during live test operations to ensure safe and successful execution.
Provide hands-on field support for fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.
Support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.