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Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Mach Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our propulsion systems, helping to maintain the United States' strategic ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Propulsion Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mojave Compensation: $95,000 - $135,000 / year Description As a Propulsion Test Engineer at ...

Heart Aerospace

Propulsion Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $216K/yr

You'll Bring These Qualifications: * 2+ years of professional experience in powertrain, propulsion, or test engineering, with electric or ideally hybrid-electric systems. * Hands-on experience ...

Heart Aerospace

Propulsion Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$124K - $216K/yr

You'll Bring These Qualifications: * 2+ years of professional experience in powertrain, propulsion, or test engineering, with electric or ideally hybrid-electric systems. * Hands-on experience ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Description As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high ...

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Mach Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$80K - $170K/yr

The Role Mach Energetics is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to support the planning, execution, and analysis of next-generation propulsion and energetic systems for advanced defense applications.

Agile Space Industries

Test Engineer IV/V

Durango, CO · On-site

$117K - $212K/yr

... engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding ... At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability ...

Shield AI

Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

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 ...

Agile Space Industries

Test Engineer IV/V

Durango, CO · On-site

$117K - $212K/yr

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering ... The Test Engineer IV/V serves as a senior technical leader within the test organization ...

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Propulsion Test Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

How much do propulsion test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Propulsion Test Engineer position, and why are they important?

A successful Propulsion Test Engineer typically holds a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering and possesses strong analytical, troubleshooting, and hands-on technical skills. Familiarity with propulsion system instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test software (such as LabVIEW or MATLAB), along with certifications like Six Sigma or relevant safety training, are often required. Outstanding attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills enable effective coordination across multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient propulsion system testing and development in high-stakes engineering environments.

What does a Propulsion Test Engineer do?

A Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing tests of propulsion systems, such as rocket engines, jet engines, or other propulsion components. They design test setups, ensure safety protocols are followed, and collect data to evaluate performance and reliability. Their work involves collaborating with design, manufacturing, and operations teams to validate system functionality and improve designs. They also troubleshoot issues and recommend improvements based on test results. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience with testing procedures and equipment.

What does a typical day look like for a Propulsion Test Engineer?

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, your day usually begins with preparing and calibrating test equipment, collaborating with engineers and technicians to review test plans, and ensuring all safety protocols are in place. During tests, you'll monitor propulsion systems, collect data, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise. After testing, you'll analyze data, present findings to project teams, and document results to support further development. The position involves a balance of hands-on work in test facilities and desk-based analysis, often requiring close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams.

More about Propulsion Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Propulsion Test Engineer job openings:
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Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Propulsion Test Engineer

Vast

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Sit on console as Test Conductor and Test Director running hotfires of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. 
  • Plan and lead hazardous operations including work with high pressures and cryogenic fluids.
  • Assist in driving engine development, qualification, and acceptance test campaigns to completion.
  • Author and maintain test procedures, sequences, and configuration files for hazardous operations.
  • Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs). 
  • Work side by side with the test stand technicians during fabrication of test stand hardware and integration of test articles.
  • Work on projects to design and modify fluid and electrical systems on the engine test stands.
  • Troubleshoot fluid, mechanical, electrical, and software related systems on the test stands.  
  • Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of fluid systems, or hardware testing.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience handling cryogenic fluids.
  • Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
  • Experience with Epsilon3.
  • Experience with JIRA / Confluence.
  • Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab, Visual Basic).
  • Experience building and testing high pressure fluid/gas systems.
  • Experience reviewing data and taking corrective actions based on findings.
  • Experience with common instrumentation and controls systems and sensors.
  • Tube fitting & bending, familiar with common industry fittings systems.
  • Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: 

  • Propulsion Test Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
  • Propulsion Test Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000

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