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Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin, LLC

Senior Test Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

As a senior member of the TeraWave propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the ... As a Senior Test Engineer, you will lead the development of the propulsion team's facilities for ...

Blue Origin

Senior Test Engineer

Seattle, WA

As a senior member of the TeraWave propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the ... As a Senior Test Engineer, you will lead the development of the propulsion team's facilities for ...

Protingent

Test Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$52 - $85/hr

Test Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Test Engineer ... to propulsion technology. My recruiting style focuses on individual candidate needs and ...

Aetherflux

Propulsion Engineering

Seattle, WA · On-site

Propulsion Engineering Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the ... Test infrastructure and operations * Integration and qualification testing * Feed systems, valves ...

Blue Origin

Propulsion Engineer

Seattle, WA

$121K - $169K/yr

As a Propulsion Engineer, you will be a key member of our dynamic team, dedicated to the design ... Develop and execute test plans for propulsion components and systems, including performance and ...

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All JobsPropulsion Test Engineer JobsPropulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Propulsion Test Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.5K

$153.5K

$232.2K

How much do propulsion test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion test engineer in Seattle, WA is $153,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,100.00 and $182,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced propulsion test engineers working in aerospace or defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in propulsion systems, testing, and related engineering tools.

What does a propulsion test engineer do?

A propulsion test engineer designs, conducts, and analyzes tests on rocket engines and propulsion systems to ensure they meet performance and safety standards. They use specialized testing facilities, instrumentation, and data analysis tools to evaluate engine behavior under various conditions, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. The role requires knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and safety protocols, and may involve certification and compliance procedures.

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.

How much does a propulsion test engineer make?

A propulsion test engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in rocket propulsion or related systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What is the salary of a propulsion engineer?

The salary of a propulsion test engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace and defense industries.
What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Test Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,502 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

Test Engineer - Electric Propulsion, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
TEST ENGINEER - ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
The Electric Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring the electric thrusters that propel Starlink satellites and their associated components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in test design and execution of unique development & qualification test campaigns on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Electric Propulsion Test Engineers will work on state-of-the-art electric thruster technology in an unmatched, high-rate production environment. By designing and executing test campaigns for the system, you will help sustain and improve upon the largest satellite constellation in existence! Join the team and help SpaceX provide global low-latency internet and contribute to our mission of making humanity multiplanetary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and execute rigorous tests at the system, thruster, and component-level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the Starlink mission.
  • Repeated ownership of test campaigns, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and test stand/diagnostic equipment design & fabrication.
  • Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to build test articles, fabricate test stands and test stand equipment, integrate test articles and execute test processes.
  • Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
  • Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation with primarily Beckhoff/TwinCat DAQ systems and python-based test software.
  • Operate and troubleshoot electric thrusters and supporting equipment, including high-vacuum facilities, pressurized feed systems, avionics circuits, and thruster diagnostics.
  • Design, operate, and fabricate mechanical systems for thruster ground support; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid/electronic components such as valves, tubing, and transient protection circuitry.
  • Execute the scientific method repeatedly in a R&D context, with an emphasis on minimizing asterisks and unknowns, and maximizing clear, actionable conclusions to inform improvements in propulsion system reliability and performance.
  • Manage schedules and deliverables for vehicle subsystem qualification testing; document & present results and conclusions clearly and explain technical details to wide audiences.
  • Operate and interpret results from electronic, mechanical, and plasma diagnostics, including oscilloscope and current/voltage diagnostics, pressure transducers, gas flowmeters, and low-force thrust stands.
  • Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining quality and rigor of experimental learnings. Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety.
  • Anticipate and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, work to resolve problems by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.
  • Analyze and review data to ensure that hardware is operating as expected utilizing numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results.
  • Develop, maintain, and execute integration and testing process, and collaborate with design engineers to improve hardware.
  • Collaborate with hardware reliability team to lead experiments to inform anomaly investigations.
  • Collaborate with software teams to minimize exceptions between ground test and flight operations through safe, efficient, and readable software.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or related STEM field.
  • 1+ years of hands-on hardware experience (experience from internships, clubs or other hands-on extra-curricular activities qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent experience
  • Experience in production and test systems
    • Hands on test and production facility, factory, or laboratory experience
    • Hardware automation software experience, including DAQ setup and instrumentation networking with logic controllers
    • Mechanical aptitude and experience
  • Knowledge and/or experience in aerospace structural or mechanical or propulsion systems assembly and testing
  • Ability to utilize test instrumentation and control components: pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoid valves, basic circuits
  • Ability to solve problems calling for technical analysis
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals and reports
  • Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical schematics
  • Knowledge of hazardous systems and safety practices - cryogenic, flammable, high-voltage, high-pressure
  • Knowledge of high-pressure system design and handling
  • Experience using test instrumentation and control components
  • Windows Operating Systems, Intermediate skill level
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote), Intermediate skill level
  • Python, Intermediate/advanced skill level
  • C/C++, Novice skill level
  • CAD modeling (Unigraphics NX preferred), Novice skill level
  • MATLAB, Novice-Intermediate skill level

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000 - $117,500
Level 2: $115,000 - $140,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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