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Engine Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firehawk Aerospace Inc

Test Engineer

Addison, TX · On-site

Designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our solid rocket motors and hybrid engines ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a ...

BorgWarner

Staff Emissions Test Engineer

Arden, NC · On-site

$115K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Test Engineer with strong expertise in engine exhaust emissions testing to join our Test Engineering group and help advance our next generation of products. POSITION SUMMARY: The ...

BorgWarner, Inc.

Staff Emissions Test Engineer

Arden, NC · On-site

$115K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Test Engineer with strong expertise in engine exhaust emissions testing to join our Test Engineering group and help advance our next generation of products. POSITION SUMMARY: The ...

Firefly Aerospace

Test Engineer, Propulsion

Briggs, TX · On-site

As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine ... Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the ...

Firefly Aerospace

Test Engineer, Propulsion

TX · On-site

As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine ... Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the ...

LiquidPiston

Engine Performance Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

You will work closely within a team of Test Engineers, Technicians, and Performance Engineers as you develop engine calibration strategies and methodologies to meet performance targets. In addition ...

Hoplite Solutions LLC

Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

As a Test Engineer, you will design, develop, and execute automated tests to ensure the quality and ... Preferred : • Hands-on experience with Katalon Studio and Katalon Runtime Engine. • Direct ...

LiquidPiston

Senior Engine Performance Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Senior Engine Performance Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week ... You will develop and execute test and analysis plans in collaboration with Test and Simulation ...

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Engine Test Engineer information

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How much do engine test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine test engineer in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Engine Test Engineer vs Mechanical Test Engineer?

AspectEngine Test EngineerMechanical Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical or related engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, engine development facilities, automotive or aerospace industriesTesting labs, product development, manufacturing sectors
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machineryManufacturing, aerospace, automotive

Engine Test Engineers focus on testing and validating engines, ensuring performance and compliance in automotive or aerospace sectors. Mechanical Test Engineers have a broader scope, testing various mechanical components and systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their specific focus areas differ.

What are some common challenges faced by Engine Test Engineers during engine validation, and how are they typically addressed?

Engine Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected test cell failures, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring that test data is both accurate and repeatable. These issues are typically addressed through robust test planning, close collaboration with design and calibration teams, and continuous monitoring of test equipment and safety protocols. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as engineers frequently need to adjust testing parameters or troubleshooting strategies based on real-time results and project priorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engine Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engine Test Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with engine systems, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, engine testing software, and data acquisition systems, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or ASE, is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in coordinating with teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills ensure reliable engine performance, accurate test results, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What are Engine Test Engineers?

Engine Test Engineers are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze tests on engines to evaluate their performance, durability, and compliance with regulations. They work with various types of engines, such as automotive, aerospace, or industrial, using specialized equipment and data analysis tools. Their responsibilities include developing test procedures, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with design and development teams to improve engine systems. Engine Test Engineers play a critical role in ensuring engines are safe, reliable, and efficient before they reach the market.
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What job categories do people searching Engine Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Engine Test Engineer jobs are:
Engine Test Engineer jobs near you
Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning and execution for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. In this role, you will shape the propulsion test strategy, direct complex engine and hover test campaigns, and provide technical leadership across the program to ensure safe and rapid development of a next-generation autonomous aircraft. 
 
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in jet propulsion testing, developmental flight test operations, to include mission control room operations, and high-energy ground testing. You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers, instrumentation specialists, and safety organizations to define test objectives, assess risk, and deliver the data required to advance the aircraft through its test envelope. 
 
This is a high-impact role for a technical leader who thrives in fast-paced, experimental environments and who wants to help define the future of autonomous aviation. 
What you'll do:
  • Support engine, hover, static, and integrated propulsion test campaigns for X-BAT including planning, execution, and post-test analysis. 
  • Advise on propulsion system readiness and define test objectives, test point development, build up approach, success criteria, and instrumentation requirements. 
  • Develop and review test procedures, hazard analyses, run cards, and safety documentation for high-energy test operations. 
  • Provide technical oversight during engine runs, hover tests, transition testing, and propulsion-autonomy integration events. 
  • Serve as a propulsion subject-matter expert during Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Test Hazard Analyses (THAs), and Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessments 
  • Support root-cause investigations related to propulsion performance, engine controls, thermal behavior, vibration, and integration issues. 
  • Partner with Autonomy and Avionics teams to evaluate propulsion-related interactions such as thrust control logic, response lags, fail-safes, and emergency behaviors. 
  • Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, test post process analysis, reporting, timing, and fidelity across propulsion channels. 
  • Support field deployments, remote test sites, and intensive test cycles as required to meet program schedules. 
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline. 
  • 8+ years of experience in propulsion testing for jet engines, VTOL systems, unmanned aircraft, or developmental flight test programs. 
  • Demonstrated expertise executing and analyzing engine tests, hover/transition events, and integrated propulsion-airframe testing. 
  • Strong understanding of engine controls, FADEC systems, thrust measurement, thermal analysis, and vibration/loads behavior. 
  • Experience writing and reviewing high-energy test procedures, readiness documentation, and hazard analyses. 
  • Proven ability to operate safely and decisively in fast-paced test environments. 
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstrated performance in multidisciplinary engineering organizations. 
  • Ability to travel and support extended field test deployments. 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. 
  • Experience with tail-sitter, VTOL, or thrust-vectoring propulsion systems. 
  • Background in autonomy-powered aircraft, propulsion-system modeling, or propulsion-flight-control integration. 
  • Familiarity with IRIG, PCM, instrumentation requirements, and high-rate telemetry data. 
  • Experience supporting complex investigations or leading propulsion technical review boards. 
  • Prior involvement in developmental or experimental flight test programs. 
  • Experience with compressed-air starts, engine-health monitoring systems, or high-temperature structural analysis. 
#LI-JM1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.