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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Lockheed Martin

Propulsion Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

This job requires coordinating with customers, suppliers, test facilities, and other related fields ... Propulsion Engineering fundamentals including structures, mechanisms, propulsion systems and ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO

$80K - $100K/yr

Support test planning and execution, including ground and flight test support * Participate in ... of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development.

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Support test planning and execution, including ground and flight test support * Participate in ... of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development.

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Support test planning and execution, including ground and flight test support * Participate in ... of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development.

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Longmont, CO

$80K - $100K/yr

Support test planning and execution, including ground and flight test support * Participate in ... of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development.

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Test Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Test Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills ... Plans (TEMP), System Integration Test Plans (SITP), Enterprise Verification Plans (EVP), ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Test Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

Share Test Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical ... Plans (TEMP), System Integration Test Plans (SITP), Enterprise Verification Plans (EVP), ...

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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

Director, Propulsion Engineering

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
As Director of Propulsion Engineering at True Anomaly, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of next-generation propulsion systems across our spacecraft and missile defense portfolio. You will own the technical vision for propulsion from early concepts through flight while coordinating the future of our propulsion testing strategy. You will also drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, including metal additive manufacturing, to accelerate development timelines and unlock novel design solutions. This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of deep propulsion expertise, rigorous test operations, and cutting-edge manufacturing innovation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Propulsion System Development
  • Define and own the propulsion technology roadmap across True Anomaly's spacecraft and defense platforms, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements.
  • Drive system-level requirements development, decomposition, and traceability from vehicle-level requirements down to component and subsystem specifications.
  • Drive make/buy analysis and cost/risk/performance trades for propulsion components including engines, valves, tanks, and fluid systems.
  • Collaborate on the design, development, test and deployment of the fluid systems that are integral to our propulsion systems.
  • Champion the integration of metal additive manufacturing (AM) methods into propulsion hardware development - evaluating AM applicability, qualifying printed components, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to mature AM processes for flight use.
  • Ensure propulsion designs are robust and reliable across the space operating environment.

Test Facility Oversight
  • Provide strategic oversight of True Anomaly's propulsion testing efforts, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective execution of hot-fire, cold-flow, and pressure test campaigns.
  • Own the test facility roadmap - identifying capability gaps, leading infrastructure investments, and scaling test operations to support our accelerating development efforts.
  • Oversee the development of propellant loading capabilities, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, and anomaly investigation and resolution during test campaigns.
  • Drive a culture of test rigor and data-driven decision-making within the propulsion organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure propulsion systems integrate seamlessly at the vehicle level.
  • Serve as the primary propulsion point of contact in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and communicate propulsion status, risks, and recommendations clearly to program leadership and customers.
  • Interface with government customers, external partners, and suppliers to define requirements, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
  • Present propulsion strategy, technical status, and test results to internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Team Building & Management
  • Build, lead, and scale a high-performing team of propulsion engineers with expertise spanning fluid systems, combustion, structural analysis, test operations, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Develop and execute a staffing and organizational growth plan aligned with program timelines; partner with Talent Acquisition to attract top propulsion talent.
  • Establish a strong engineering culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor senior engineers and define clear technical career paths within the propulsion organization.
  • Define team processes, tools, and standards for design, documentation, analysis, and test.

Program Execution
  • Own propulsion deliverables against program schedules, budgets, and technical performance metrics.
  • Proactively identify technical risks and drive mitigation strategies; communicate status and critical issues clearly to the VP of Space Vehicle Engineering and program leadership.
  • Support spacecraft integration and test campaigns including I&T planning, anomaly investigation, and resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or advanced defense propulsion systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or people management role.
  • Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems development across the full lifecycle - from concept and design through integration, test, and flight operations.
  • Deep expertise in fluid system design and analysis including rocket engines, flight valves, propellant tanks and pressurization systems.
  • Extensive propulsion test experience including hot-fire and pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, propellant loading, and test facility operations and safety management.
  • Proven track record of building, scaling, and leading high-performing propulsion engineering teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical content to senior leadership and external customers.
  • Passion for the space and defense industry and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing for propulsion applications, including design for AM, process qualification, and flight certification of printed components.
  • Experience with valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with or direct experience overseeing a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning and safety program management.
  • Background in DoD space or missile defense propulsion programs.
  • Experience scaling a propulsion or aerospace engineering organization during a high-growth or startup phase.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion standards, NASA-STD, or equivalent.
  • Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or the ability to obtain one.

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $190,000-$320,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
  • Work Location-Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test sites.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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