Test Engineer

Volund Manufacturing • Huntington Beach, CA

1d • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Volund is hiring a Test Engineer to design, build, and execute tests for propulsion systems. This hands-on role spans mechanical, fluids, thermal, electrical, controls, and software work. The engineer will take test needs from concept through hardware, test execution, troubleshooting, and data-driven conclusions, while supporting engine light-off, component characterization, and development testing.

The position emphasizes resourcefulness, speed, ownership, and the ability to investigate unfamiliar problems. The engineer will design fixtures and supporting hardware, assemble test setups, configure instrumentation and data acquisition, write test plans and procedures, maintain a safe and organized test cell, and communicate findings to the team.

The listed salary range is $130,000–$160,000 USD. All roles include an equity package. The position requires candidates to be U.S. persons under ITAR export-control requirements.

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 as defined by ITAR requirements, including a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (or other protected individual as specified in the posting).

Nice To Haves

• 0–3 years of industry experience; internships and co-ops count.
• CAD proficiency with SolidWorks, Onshape, or similar tools.
• Experience with gas turbines, turbochargers, or other high-speed rotating machinery.
• DAQ experience with Dewesoft, NI/LabVIEW, or similar systems, and data analysis using Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
• Machining and fabrication skills (manual or CNC), welding, or sheet-metal skills.
• Electrical skills, including reading schematics, building control boxes, soldering, and crimping connectors.
• Experience with fuel systems, combustion, or ignition systems.
• Comfort 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.
• Prototype solutions in the shop to meet immediate test needs.
• Install and check out instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, speed sensors, and flow meters.
• Configure and maintain the data acquisition (DAQ) system, including channel setup, scaling, and live calculated channels.
• Write test plans and procedures, run tests, and keep the test cell safe and organized.
• Analyze engine and component test data and present clear conclusions to the team.
• Troubleshoot across fluid, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines to identify root causes.
• Support engine light-off, component characterization, and development testing.

Benefits

• Equity package
• 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 fully stocked kitchen
• Relocation assistance, depending on role eligibility
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Real responsibility from day one, with work used on 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