Propellant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Barber-Nichols:?  

Barber-Nichols (BN) is a leading provider of custom turbomachinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics and Energy industries. We are working with customers who are at the top of their game. Together, we help our customers revolutionize their markets and build amazing relationships with them in the process. If?you're seeking?to work with an amazing team in?an?atmosphere that supports your development, and recognizes your achievements, BN is the place for you.  

Position Summary: 

The Director, Test Facility provides executive operational leadership for a cryogenic and propellant test facility supporting flow testing, qualification, and development of products for space, energy, and defense applications. This role is responsible for operational excellence, safety leadership, team development, and process discipline across all aspects of test execution and holds full accountability for the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), and methane (LCH4) systems. The Director, Test Facility ensures facility readiness, infrastructure integrity, workforce capability, and adherence to rigorous technical and regulatory standards required for cryogenic and hazardous operations. 

Key Results Areas: 

Facility Operations & Execution 

• Provide overall operational leadership for day-to-day activities of the cryogenic propellant test facility. 
• Ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable execution of cryogenic flow testing and propulsion-related test programs. 
• Oversee test planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to meet program commitments. 
• Maintain readiness and operational integrity of cryogenic storage, transfer, conditioning, and control systems. 
• Ensure reliability of test stands, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition systems, and support utilities. 
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test throughput, system reliability, and data quality. 

Cryogenic & Propellant Systems Expertise 

• Provide technical oversight of LOX, LH2, LN2, and LCH4 systems including storage, transfer, pressurization, conditioning, and safety controls. 
• Ensure proper hazard analysis and risk mitigation for cryogenic and high-energy propellant operations. 
• Guide facility upgrades, modifications, and infrastructure investments to improve performance and safety. 
• Support complex troubleshooting of fluid, thermal, and propulsion test systems. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable NASA, NFPA, ISO, AS9100, and other industry standards governing cryogenic and propulsion testing. 

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management 

• Serve as the accountable authority for facility safety performance. 
• Establish and reinforce a strong safety culture appropriate for hazardous cryogenic and propellant operations. 
• Lead development and enforcement of operating procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, emergency response plans, and hazard controls. 
• Conduct and oversee hazard analyses, risk assessments, and incident investigations. 
• Ensure full compliance with environmental, safety, export control, and customer regulatory requirements. 

Process Definition & Operational Discipline 

• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and test processes. 
• Ensure configuration control, documentation rigor, and disciplined data management practices. 
• Drive adherence to defined processes while fostering continuous improvement. 
• Support audits, technical reviews, and customer assessments related to test operations. 
• Establish operational KPIs focused on safety, quality, schedule performance, and facility utilization. 

Leadership, Team Building & Workforce Development 

• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operations personnel. 
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability throughout the organization. 
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent with specialized cryogenic and propulsion test expertise. 
• Implement structured training programs for cryogenic operations, hazardous systems handling, and test execution. 
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, collaboration, and safety-first decision making. 
• Provide mentorship and succession planning to ensure long-term operational continuity. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervises test facility personnel including hiring, training, performance management, and team development. 
• Provides leadership across cross-functional interfaces including engineering, quality, safety, and program management. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred). 
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, propulsion, or cryogenic test facility operations. 
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical operations in safety-critical environments. 
• Deep knowledge of cryogenic propellants (LOX, LH2, LN2, methane), fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition. 
• Proven operational leadership experience managing test facilities or similar industrial infrastructure. 
• Experience establishing safety programs and leading teams in hazardous environments. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience supporting spaceflight hardware development, qualification, or production programs. 
• Experience commissioning or upgrading cryogenic test infrastructure. 
• Familiarity with propulsion systems, turbomachinery, valves, or flow control hardware testing. 
• Experience implementing quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies. 
• Working knowledge of NASA, ISO, NFPA, and AS9100 standards. 
• Experience operating in ITAR/EAR controlled environments. 

Physical & Mental Demands:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is primarily required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend. Must be able to speak and communicate clearly with others. This position requires the ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and up to 5 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Corrected vision of 20/20 or adequate equivalency is required, along with the ability to identify and distinguish colors. 
• Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent must be able to read, write, analyze data and reports, exercise sound judgment, develop plans, procedures, and goals, present information to others, and perform effectively under pressure. 
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent will be working in a C1D2 environment, where the incumbent is exposed to hazardous materials, fumes, or airborne articles, as well as moving mechanical parts with vibration. High levels of manufacturing and equipment noise is also present. Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor settings within a manufacturing environment, subject to variable temperatures and conditions. Outdoor duties may be performed in direct sunlight and elevated ambient temperatures characteristic of Florida's summer climate, where heat index values can be extreme.  

Compensation and Benefits: 

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $160,000 and is commensurate with the applicant’s experience. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base for this position. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances. 

Barber-Nichols offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• FSA and HSA savings account options with company paid HSA quarterly contributions 
• Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance 
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match and immediate vesting   
• 401(k) Profit Sharing 
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM) 
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO 
• Tuition reimbursement  
• Performance-based bonus program 
• Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave 
• Various mental, physical, and financial health programs  

To view our full list of benefits, please visit?Careers | Barber-Nichols. 

ITAR Requirements:?To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158.?Security clearance is not required for this position. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by law. 

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