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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Lynk

Propulsion Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Job Summary As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Lynk, you will support the testing of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be expected ...

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 ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer ... Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems * Identify deficiencies ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer ... Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems * Identify deficiencies ...

L3HHCM20

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 39823 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 ... Support integration, checkout, and verification of avionics, propulsion, flight controls, payload ...

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 ...

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 ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger ... propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole ...

Revolutional, LLC

Lead Test Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$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

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 ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

The RoleAs our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of ... 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 ...

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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 10, 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 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.
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:
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Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you

Propulsion Test Engineer

Lynk

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard phone technology aka sat2phone, and has the world's only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial sat2phone system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk's service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.
By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.
Job Summary
As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Lynk, you will support the testing of the Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and other propulsion system components used on our satellites. You will be expected to understand every detail of our propulsion systems, operate them during test campaigns, and evaluate their performance through analysis of test results.
Core Responsibilities
  • Develop and document HET test plans and procedures.
  • Design, develop, specify, and maintain ground support hardware and software required for HET functional, performance, and environmental testing including vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, gas flow plumbing, high voltage power supplies, sensors, and data acquisition units.
  • Integrate propulsion fight and ground support hardware (including electronics) as required for HET verification.
  • Operate high-vacuum chambers and other support equipment required for HET testing.
  • Execute HET test plans and procedures and debug/troubleshoot issues that arise during functional, performance, and environmental testing.
  • Analyze propulsion test data using Excel, MATLAB, or similar tools.
  • Develop automated testing and data collection tools to ensure testing can be done reliably, repeatedly, and at scale in production.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation.
  • Experience using Linux based systems and programming proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Rust, C++, C, Python, MATLAB, etc.
  • Must have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with high-vacuum equipment
  • Machining skills and experience

Job Location
Chantilly, VA

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