Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who is capable of designing, fabricating, operating, and improving on complex mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems for conducting rigorous testing of our innovative jet engine and subsystems. Your work at Astro Mechanica will keep test operations running smoothly, while constantly expanding and improving test capabilities.

In this role, your mission will be to create and operate test infrastructure for hardware research and development. You will have firsthand responsibility that every new design is rigorously tested to ensure quality and performance metrics are met prior to aircraft integration before leaving the ground. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Architect test stand design and documentation (engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics, test procedures) for testing components to integrated systems

Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness

Implement robust data and video recording infrastructure

Analyze data for equipment activation, calibration, and operation

Diagnose stand problems efficiently and perform corrective actions

Continually improve facility capabilities to increase test throughput and reliability

Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)

Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, test operations

Experience with hazardous environments (flammables, high voltage, pressurized systems) and safety mitigations

Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatics)

Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems, PLC hardware, computer networking, and software interfaces

Proficiency with PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)

Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment

Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS & BENEFITS:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.