Test Engineer

Venus Aerospace•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Test Engineer to develop test concepts for aerospace hardware and bring them through design, analysis, development, fabrication, commissioning, and operational support. The role involves designing, analyzing, developing, fabricating, and maintaining test equipment for applications ranging from rocket engines to structural airframe components. The Test Engineer will work on a multidisciplinary team to support propulsion and structural testing, including hands-on work with test systems, hardware, and test stands. The position is on-site in Houston, Texas, and includes supporting live test operations and field work. The role requires the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds. Applicants must be able to meet applicable U.S. export control requirements.

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; applicants qualifying through the degree alternative must have 7+ years of relevant hands-on test experience.
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural fundamentals, with hands-on experience in high-pressure and cryogenic system environments.
Experience writing test-operation procedures, including procedures for loading propellant tanks, preparing for engine hot fires, and placing test stands in a safe configuration.
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 or 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; 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 associated 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, including outdoor work and lifting up to 40 pounds.
Ability to meet applicable U.S. export control requirements; the posting identifies eligible categories as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or individuals eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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 working 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 piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for test stands and modify supporting structures to meet test requirements.
Operate and support testing involving inert gases, cryogenic fluids, fuels, and oxidizers.
Write detailed test 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 across functions during live test operations to support safe and successful execution.
Work hands-on in the field to support fabrication, installation, and test stand upgrades.
Provide support or contribute to large-scale civil or infrastructure engineering projects.