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Associate, Rocket Test Engineer 1

Jobs via Dice
Orange, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/22/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/20/2026
L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Associate, Rocket Test Engineer

Job ID: 37017

Job Location: Orange, VA

Job Schedule: Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris Technologies is seeking an Associate, Rocket Test Engineer at the Aerojet Rocketdyne Segment's Orange, VA site. Our site is near Culpeper, VA, in beautiful, rural Orange County (1.5 hours from Washington, DC)! This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs.

Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineer work with customers, program managers and project engineers to define test objectives and identify and select test methods and instrumentation for propulsion systems / rocket motors and their components. They then create plans and procedures for safely conducting these tests, utilizing existing test facilities and equipment, and/or designing new tools or techniques. Test engineers tackle a variety of problems and use a wide range of engineering skills, from mechanical and aerospace to electrical and software. Types of tests include static rocket motor firings, case proof and burst pressure testing, case structural loads testing, direct-connect ramjet/scramjet testing, aeroheat material testing, dynamic/environmental testing, and high-altitude simulation (vacuum) testing.

Essential Functions:

Under general supervision:

  • 40% - Test Planning - Plan, devise and prepare test methods, instrumentation and tooling, applying extensive testing technical expertise. Interface with Design/Project Engineering to develop/interpret test requirements. Work with Quality and Safety to ensure test methods meet customer and government requirements/regulations. Identify/specify facility configurations to meet test requirements. Design test fixtures or identify existing test tooling to interface with test articles.
  • 30% - Test Execution - Conduct, oversee and support test operations in accordance with safety and quality policy and procedures, maintaining overall technical control of test programs. May include physical/mechanical hardware setup, instrumentation calibration and setup, electrical/controls setup, test article prep, control software input preparation, etc. May include directing subcontractors in their execution of subcontracted test programs at off-site test facilities.
  • 20% - Documentation and Reviews - Prepare technical documentation, including test procedures, safety reviews and test readiness reviews.
  • 10% - Project Management - Manage cost and schedule for test programs. Coordinate cost and schedule planning/estimates

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field or have completed their Bachelor's defree withint he last 12 months, regardless of age

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active DoD clearance.
  • Knowledge of fundamental engineering principles: statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics/dynamics, basic electrical theory, etc.
  • Experience with engineering software, including 3D Modeling/CAD software (Creo, NX, etc.) and analytical software (Matlab, Python, etc.).
  • Proficient use of MSOffice software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or equivalent for generating procedures, presentations, and analysis.
  • Effective communication, both verbal and written.
  • Strength in teaming and collaboration in a diverse work environment.
  • Interpretation and compliance with Company policies and procedures, including Safety, Health & Environmental processes and procedures.
  • Related work experience in an academic or industrial lab / test environment where physical measurements are made (pressure, temperature, thrust/load, acceleration, etc.).
  • Related work experience with pneumatic and/or steam pressure systems (pipe/tubing fittings, valves, regulators, filters, and gauges).

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .

Salary.com Estimation for Associate, Rocket Test Engineer 1 in Orange, VA
$82,430 to $95,961
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