Propulsion Testing Engineer

Propulsion Test Engineer | Solid Rocket Motors | Defence

My client is a German-based start up currently in stealth mode, scaling up rapidly to meet the demand for high-performance, reliable, and scalable solid propulsion technologies for space and defense applications. They are already launching suborbital and ballistic rockets on a regular basis, generating significant revenue and applying their knowledge toward the development of an orbital rocket.

We are looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer to plan, prepare, execute, and analyse in-house propulsion tests. You will focus on static-fire testing of small, medium, and large rocket motors, working with propulsion engineers and the wider team to produce safe, repeatable tests and high-quality data that drives the next design iteration.

My client run hot fire tests and launch campaigns regularly, as such, this is a unique opportunity to be in the heart of the action.

To thrive here you will need to be comfortable working at pace, with the autonomy to make decisions and execute on them quickly. If you’re excited by hard technical challenges and want a role where you will make a real difference each day to the future of the company, this may be the place for you.

Key responsibilities

• Define test objectives, success criteria, instrumentation requirements, test configurations, and data products.
• Prepare test procedures, checklists, risk controls, readiness reviews, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare motors, fixtures, sensors, data-acquisition systems, facilities, and support equipment for testing.
• Execute or support static-fire tests safely and methodically, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Acquire, validate, reduce, and analyse data such as force, pressure, and temperature measurements.
• Produce post-test reports and work with engineers to feed results into design, formulation, and test-process improvements.

What we are looking for

• A degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, physics, mechatronics, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience may also be relevant.
• Experience in test engineering , experimental engineering, laboratory testing, commissioning, or another hands-on hardware environment.
• Experience developing or executing test procedures and working systematically through preparation, execution, data review, and reporting.
• Familiarity with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, calibration, and signal quality.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to safety, and a methodical approach under pressure.
• Willingness to work directly with test stands, fixtures, cabling, instrumentation, hardware, and facilities.

Desirable experience

• Static-fire testing or testing rocket engines, solid or hybrid motors , combustion hardware, pressure systems, or other hazardous aerospace hardware.
• Thrust stands, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, or high-speed data acquisition.
• Test automation, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar engineering tools.
• Test-data reduction, uncertainty analysis, signal processing, anomaly detection, or correlation against simulation.
• Test-facility operations, hazardous-materials controls, explosives safety, or formal test-readiness processes.
• Propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics, combustion, fluid mechanics, or internal ballistics.

Benefits and important information:

• We offer top-decile compensation packages, bonuses and meaningful equity, to attract exceptional talent.
• Every employee is awarded stock options in the company, you will directly benefit from your own hard work and success.
• Comprehensive relocation support including flights, shipping and visas.
• Lunch, dinner and drinks provided everyday
• Free access to shared company housing

Please note, my client is a fast paced, hyper-scaling startup. You will need to be comfortable working extended hours with high levels of autonomy, ownership, and flexibility, with contracts structured around a 48-hour working week.

We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, has equal access to opportunity, and can thrive. We welcome different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences—and believe our differences make us stronger.