ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Dallas, TX

$150K - $230K/yr

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for an Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Hermeus

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will support the development, integration, and operation of propulsion test systems at our Florida facility. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on ...

Hermeus

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will support the development, integration, and operation of propulsion test systems at our Florida facility. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on ...

Hermeus

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will support the development, integration, and operation of propulsion test systems at our Florida facility. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on ...

Firefly Aerospace

Test Engineer IV (Propulsion)

TX · On-site

SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This role is for a hands-on test professional ...

Busek

Propulsion Test Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

As a Test Engineer, you will support our Testing Team in a production environment to deliver ... Our talented staff have collective expertise spanning in-space propulsion, space-borne sensors ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPropulsion Test Engineer JobsTemporary Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs

Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer information

See salary details

$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary propulsion test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Propulsion Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs are:
Temporary Propulsion Test Engineer jobs near you
Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (R4640)

Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (R4640)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of propulsion test campaigns for the X-BAT platform. This role is responsible for end-to-end ownership of propulsion test activities—from test architecture and test stand design through execution, data analysis, and iteration - supporting a low-bypass turbofan-powered Group 5 UAV.

You will serve as the focal point for propulsion testing, ensuring test results accurately characterize engine and subsystem performance, de-risk integration, and inform flight readiness decisions. This role is hands-on, data-driven, and highly cross-functional - requiring close collaboration with propulsion engineers, design engineers, technicians, controls, airframe, and flight test teams.

What you will do in this role:
  • Own the propulsion test program from requirements through execution, data review, and test-to-flight handoff.
  • Architect, design, analyze, and build test stands and fixtures for engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and TVC-related testing.
  • Define and implement instrumentation plans, DAQ architecture, calibration methods, and test procedures.
  • Lead ground test campaigns, including performance mapping, transient response, and edge-of-envelope testing.
  • Analyze test data to validate performance, identify anomalies, and drive design or control updates.
  • Partner with propulsion REs and controls engineers to ensure test coverage closes risk against CONOPS and mission profiles.
  • Drive root cause investigations for test anomalies and implement corrective actions.
  • Author test plans, reports, and readiness reviews; represent propulsion test in design and flight readiness reviews.
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in propulsion or engine testing in aerospace development environments.
  • Hands-on experience with engine test cells, test stand design, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
  • Strong understanding of gas turbine engine performance, transients, and test methodologies.
  • Proficiency in Python (or similar) for data reduction, automation, and analysis workflows.
  • Experience supporting flight test readiness and test-to-flight transitions.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience testing low-bypass turbofan engines or propulsion subsystems on UAVs or tactical aircraft.
  • Familiarity with REFPROP, GFSSP, ANSYS, or FEA to support test interpretation and correlation.
  • Experience designing structural test fixtures, load paths, thermal management, and safety systems for hot-fire environments.
  • Background in controls integration, actuator testing (e.g., TVC), and transient characterization.
  • Experience operating in a test-driven, hardware-centric aerospace development environment.
  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
#LI-MS
#LC

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

###

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.