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Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This role is for a hands-on test professional ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 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.
What cities are hiring for Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Propulsion Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Propulsion Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion Test Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Propulsion Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering

Impulse Space

Mojave, CA โ€ข On-site

$154K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering
Department: Assembly, Integration & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Mojave
Compensation: $154,000 - $185,000 / year
Description
As a Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering at Impulse, you will be responsible for testing all aspects of development and production-level propulsion hardware. This team ensures that our propulsion systems meet design intent and performance requirements through rigorous testing, analysis, and validation.
As Manager, you will oversee a team of engineers ranging in experience from entry-level to principal, guiding their technical execution, professional development, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. You'll own the team's priorities, performance, and culture-driving high reliability, innovation, and speed in our testing operations.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, from entry level to principal
  • Plan and oversee test operations across multiple test sites, develop operator training, and
  • Manage test schedules, resources, and priorities to meet program milestones
  • Coordinate with test equipment, infrastructure, and data systems teams to support current and future testing needs and ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality test operations
  • Drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement in test processes and reliability
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
  • Establish and maintain high technical and professional standards
  • Champion a culture of safety, technical rigor, and operational excellence

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related field
  • 7+ years of demonstrated experience in development or production test engineering
  • Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing engineering teams
  • Demonstrated understanding of fluid systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems
  • Proven ability to manage complex test operations safely and effectively

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline or management field
  • 9+ years experience in rocket, propulsion, or aerospace test engineering
  • Familiarity with test automation, data systems, and safety management

Additional Information
  • This role is based on-site at our Mojave Test facility at the Mojave Air & Space Port
  • Occasional travel to partner locations may be required
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents due to export control regulations

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space 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.