What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Test Engineer position at Executive Recruiting Group?
Join our rapidly growing rocket propulsion company and play a critical role in developing, building, and testing next-generation propulsion systems. As a Principal Test Engineer, you will lead the assembly, instrumentation, and execution of propulsion test campaigns, working alongside a highly collaborative engineering team to take hardware from concept to hot fire. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on flight-critical hardware in a fast-paced startup environment where innovation, ownership, and execution are valued.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the assembly, integration, and testing of rocket propulsion hardware and development test articles.
- Design and build test fixtures, stands, mounts, launchers, and ground support equipment.
- Integrate and troubleshoot instrumentation, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells, and other test sensors.
- Configure, calibrate, and operate high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) systems to capture critical engine performance data.
- Develop detailed test plans, procedures, hazard analyses, and post-test reports.
- Execute component, subsystem, and full-scale propulsion tests, including static-fire campaigns.
- Analyze test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause investigations, and recommend design improvements.
- Partner closely with propulsion, design, manufacturing, and systems engineers to rapidly iterate and mature hardware.
- Continuously improve test infrastructure, processes, and safety practices to increase testing efficiency and reliability.
Required Qualifications:.
- Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant field.
- 10 years of experience testing rocket-powered launch vehicles.
- Familiarity with solid rocket motors and amateur rocket development.
- Proficient with SolidWorks or other CAD software and familiarity with LabView.
- Skilled in machining, metal fabrication, and instrumentation.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or another relevant field.
- 15 years of experience testing rocket-powered launch vehicles.
- Direct experience with solid rocket motors and amateur rocketry.
- Familiarity with DAQ systems (NI, Kulite, HBM, etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Active U.S. government security clearance.
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000