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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

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 ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze test activities ... Familiarity with UAV control systems, avionics, and propulsion systems * Experience supporting ...

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All JobsPropulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$46.2K

$143.4K

$216.9K

How much do temporary propulsion test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary propulsion test engineer in Ladera Ranch, CA is $143,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,100.00 and $170,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer job openings:

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you

Propulsion Test Engineer

Anduril Industries

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril's Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering Team is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to join our team. The propulsion manufacturing test team is responsible for high scale production testing of jet engines and subcomponents.
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 as troubleshoot and improve existing systems. If you are someone who can independently drive projects to completion and own a critical part of engine production then this role is for you.


WHAT YOU'LL DO 

  • Develop test stands, instrumentation packages and equipment to support production engine test and integration.
  • Act as sole 'buck-stops-here' owner for static-fire production testing operations
  • Design test procedures and processes for production technicians to operate test facilities
  • Develop system requirements and test campaigns for Anduril's wide range of airbreathing turbine applications.
  • Work with engine control systems including FADEC's, ECU's, Starter-Generators and related hardware.
  • Work with actuators, sensors, connectors and architecture of engine control systems.
  • Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test.
  • Lead data reviews and root cause investigations


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar.
  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience in gas turbine, aerospace test engineering, or rocket propulsion roles
  • Experiencing designing, building and qualifying test equipment
  • Experience with instrumentation types, selection and data acquisition
  • Familiarity with test planning, readiness reviews, P&IDs and other test documentation
  • Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language
  • Experience with airbreathing or rocket propulsion testing
  • Ability to collaborate well with other electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
  • Practical experience with diagnostics monitoring, failure detection, RCCA and data analysis.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
  • Travel time up to 50%
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to assist with designing simple mechanical parts (CAD). Knowledge of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.) preferred.
  • Experience in procuring development parts and working in a fabrication environment
  • Familiarity with CAN, XCP, ARINC or other common bus protocols
  • Experience with CANape or similar CAN interface tool.
  • Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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