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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Revolution Space

Software Test Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

$106K - $195K/yr

Revolution Space is looking for an experienced dynamic and growth-oriented Software Test Engineer to contribute to the development of our space propulsion products through system verification. This ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations ... Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 42026 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 ... Support integration, checkout, and verification of avionics, propulsion, flight controls, payload ...

Integrated Resources INC

Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA

Test Engineer Location: Ashburn , VA Duration: 11 Months (Temp to Perm) Responsibilities include overall integration and testing of In-Home Networking products (Broadband Home Routers, Set Top Boxes ...

Revolutional, LLC

Lead Test Engineer

Washington, DC

$140/hr

Lead Test Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization ... TEMP), and release readiness reports * Establish and manage test data strategies, test data ...

Revolutional, LLC

Lead Test Engineer

Mclean, VA

$140/hr

Lead Test Engineer Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization ... TEMP), and release readiness reports * Establish and manage test data strategies, test data ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $165K/yr

The Role As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development ... propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams, you will help deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Technician II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams, you will help deliver reliable, flight-ready propulsion systems supporting national security, civil ...

Pae

Test Engineer - Lead

Springfield, VA · On-site

Develop, deliver, and maintain a Capstone Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) as the overarching ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, statistics or related field of study with a minimum ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Washington, DC

$115K - $215K/yr

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Amentum

Test Engineer - Lead

Springfield, VA · On-site

Develop, deliver, and maintain a Capstone Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) as the overarching ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, statistics or related field of study with a minimum ...

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All JobsPropulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$45.3K

$140.3K

$212.2K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary propulsion test engineer in Reston, VA is $140,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,800.00 and $166,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

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

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you

Software Test Engineer

Revolution Space

Lanham, MD • On-site, Remote

$106K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Revolution Space
At Revolution Space we're building advanced space systems for the 21st century. Every employee at Revolution Space works on projects that are critical to our company's future by ensuring our products work on orbit every time.
Position Summary:
Revolution Space is looking for an experienced dynamic and growth-oriented Software Test Engineer to contribute to the development of our space propulsion products through system verification. This engineer is expected to integrate with the existing technical team to:
  • Execute testing, debugging, and troubleshooting of software applications
  • Collaborate with other members of the software team including developers, and software system engineers
  • The position is full-time, and available as remote or as a hybrid role in Boston, MA or Lanham, MD.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, document, and execute comprehensive test plans (unit, integration, and system-level) and procedures for flight and ground software.
  • Perform validation of Flight and Ground SW functional tests at the unit, integration, system, and acceptance levels
  • Validate embedded software via test automation where possible
  • Ensure software compliance through hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) or simulation-in-the-loop (SITL) with actual hardware endpoints or avionics rigs as needed
  • Verify system, subsystem, and component-level requirements for space system interfaces with spacecraft power, thermal, and command & data handling subsystems.
  • Communication with software developers and engineers to verify requirements, review code, and implement testability features
  • Identify, develop, maintain, and utilize automated test scripts within a continuous integration (CI) environment where possible
  • Manage requirement traceability (requirements ↔ design ↔ verification) in tools such as MS Excel, DOORS, or equivalent.
  • Lead or support verification planning and closure activities, including verification-by-analysis, similarity, inspection, test, and demonstration.
  • Collaborate closely with propulsion design engineers, test engineers, and mission assurance teams to define test objectives, success criteria, and acceptance plans for vacuum chamber, thermal-vacuum, and life-cycle testing.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related technical discipline.
  • 7+ years of total experience with a minimum of four years in software testing, preferably in aerospace
  • Familiarity with verification and validation (V&V) processes in aerospace or high-reliability industries.
  • Working knowledge of requirements management tools (MS Excel, DOORS, or equivalent).
  • Strong communication and documentation skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance or ITAR compliance (U.S. Persons required).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience or academic background in testing for space systems and subsystems.
  • Experience with script development or designing (e.g. Python or similar language or equivalent generation tools)

Benefits
  • Paid holidays, sick time and unmetered vacation
  • Excellent health and dental plans with 80% employer contribution
  • 4% company matching 401k with immediate vesting
  • Life insurance
  • Long term / Short term disability
  • Education Assistance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanents residents of the U.S., or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected factor.
The pay range for this role is:
106,400 - 195,600 USD per year (Remote (United States))
106,400 - 195,600 USD per year (Boston, MA)
106,400 - 195,600 USD per year (Lanham, MD)

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