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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in California

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager, to support the development of the propulsion systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager, to support the development of the propulsion systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Anduril Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end-of-line static-fire test operations. The right person for this role has the ability to both build new clean-sheet static-fire test equipment as ...

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 ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Propulsion Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mojave Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 / year Description As a Propulsion Test Engineer at ...

Anduril Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end-of-line static-fire test operations.The right person for this role has the ability to both build new clean-sheet static-fire test equipment as well ...

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 ...

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 ...

Divergent

Staff Propulsion Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Purpose We're seeking a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure that accelerates the development of next-generation turbo machinery ...

Divergent

Staff Propulsion Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Purpose We're seeking a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure that accelerates the development of next-generation turbo machinery ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

$110K - $140K/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 ...

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 ...

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.

Impulse Space

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mojave Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000 / year Description As a Senior Propulsion Test ...

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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer information

What is a temporary propulsion test engineer?

A Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer is a specialized engineer hired for a limited period to conduct and oversee tests on propulsion systems, such as rocket engines or jet engines, in aerospace or automotive industries. Their responsibilities include preparing test setups, analyzing data, ensuring safety protocols, and reporting results to help validate or improve engine designs. These roles are often project-based and may require experience with specific testing equipment and software. Temporary positions allow companies to scale their workforce for critical testing phases without long-term commitments.

What is the difference between Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer vs Propulsion Systems Engineer?

AspectTemporary Propulsion Test EngineerPropulsion Systems Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, testing certificationsEngineering degree, systems design certifications
Work EnvironmentTest facilities, labs, outdoor test sitesDesign offices, integration labs, testing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in testing and validation phasesDesign, development, and integration of propulsion systems

The Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer focuses on conducting tests and validating propulsion components, often in test facilities. In contrast, the Propulsion Systems Engineer is involved in designing and developing propulsion systems throughout the product lifecycle. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to aerospace and defense industries, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary propulsion test engineer?

To thrive as a Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, experience with propulsion systems, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and safety protocols—as well as certifications like FE or EIT—are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in dynamic test environments. These competencies ensure accurate test execution, reliable data collection, and safety compliance, which are critical for propulsion system development.

What types of projects and teams can a temporary propulsion test engineer expect to work with during their assignment?

As a Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer, you will often be assigned to specific propulsion system projects, such as rocket engine development or aircraft engine testing. You'll typically work closely with multidisciplinary teams that include design engineers, technicians, and safety specialists to plan and execute test campaigns. Your daily responsibilities may involve preparing test setups, monitoring test data in real time, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring all procedures comply with safety standards. The fast-paced, project-based nature of this role offers valuable exposure to cutting-edge technology and can help you build relationships and experience that may lead to longer-term opportunities in the industry.
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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you

Propulsion Test Engineer

Vast

Mojave, CA

$86K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer, reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager, to support the development of the propulsion 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: 

  • Perform thruster development, acceptance and qualification hot-fire testing
  • Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressure fluids
  • Write test procedures for hazardous operations
  • Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
  • Work side by side with the test stand technicians during test article install and inspection
  • Maintain and design modifications to test stand fluids and electrical systems to meet current and expanding test requirements
  • Work collaboratively with Long Beach based responsible engineers to meet test requirements, design test stand modifications, and debug test stand problems rapidly

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in the operation, design, and development of chemical propulsion and/or fluid systems, or hardware testing

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Propulsion experience in collegiate rocket program
  • Experience with NX and Teamcenter
  • Experience with Epsilon3
  • Experience with JIRA / Confluence
  • Experience with controls & data acquisition systems (e.g., Beckhoff/TwinCAT, National Instruments/LabVIEW)
  • Experience building and testing high pressure fluid systems
  • Tube fitting & bending, familiarity with common industry fittings systems 
  • Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
  • 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 overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions outdoors in Mojave, CA

Pay Range: 

  • Propulsion Test Engineer I: $86,000 - $122,000 
  • Propulsion Test Engineer II: $112,000 - $155,000
  • Senior Propulsion Test Engineer: $135,000 - $195,000

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