ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in California

Mach Industries

Propulsion Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$115K - $195K/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 ...

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$145K - $185K/yr

Experience with pyrotechnics, propulsion systems, hazardous operations, or flight test environments. * Knowledge of configuration management practices and structured test documentation systems ...

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Experience with pyrotechnics, propulsion systems, hazardous operations, or flight test environments. * Knowledge of configuration management practices and structured test documentation systems ...

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Experience with pyrotechnics, propulsion systems, hazardous operations, or flight test environments. * Knowledge of configuration management practices and structured test documentation systems ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPropulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in California

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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer job openings:

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you

Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering

Impulse Space

Mojave, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job 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.
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, from entry level to principal
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee test operations across multiple test sites, develop operator training, and ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality test execution
  • Manage test schedules, resources, and priorities to meet program milestones
  • Develop and track key operational metrics, identifying opportunities to improve test throughput, reliability, and overall team performance
  • Ensure all test operations are conducted in accordance with established safety procedures, hazard controls, and operational standards
  • Drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and test quality
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
  • Coordinate with test equipment, infrastructure, and data systems teams to support current and future testing needs
  • Establish and maintain high technical, operational, and professional standards
  • Champion a culture of safety, technical rigor, operational excellence, and ownership

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related field
  • 5+ 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

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline or management field
  • 7+ years' relevant 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.

Apply