Test Director – Rocket Engine Testing
Onsite – Atwater, CA
$130,000-$160,000+ DOE + Benefits + Relocation Available
Large-Thrust Engine Test Programs | Full Ownership | Rapid Growth Environment
We’re working with a space launch company that operates one of the most hands-on rocket engine test facilities in the U.S. They’re scaling up a critical site in Atwater, CA and hiring an experienced Test Director to lead operations on high-thrust engine campaigns including some of the largest 3D-printed rocket engines ever tested.
This is a rare opportunity to own end-to-end responsibility for engine testing from stand design and hazard mitigation to procedure development, execution, and post-test analysis.
If you’ve led high-pressure, cryogenic test campaigns before and want to shape a site from the ground up, this is your mission.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Lead test operations for liquid propulsion systems exceeding 5,000+ lbs of thrust
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Develop and execute test procedures, conops, and hazard mitigations
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Own failure investigations, test anomalies, and root cause analysis
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Oversee fluid, structural, instrumentation, and DAQ system integration
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Collaborate with propulsion, controls, GSE, and design teams to iterate test hardware and stand configurations
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Guide site development projects, lab improvements, and automation upgrades
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Support growing the team – mentor engineers, review designs, and ensure procedural discipline
✅ What You’ll Need
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5+ years of direct experience in rocket engine testing or similar high-hazard environments
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Proven experience with cryogenic propellants (LOX, kerosene, CH4)
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Hands-on experience developing and conducting engine hot fires
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Comfort working with systems involving high pressures, extreme temperatures, and combustion risks
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Ability to write, review, and execute test procedures from scratch
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Strong grasp of fluid systems, instrumentation (load cells, TC, PT, accelerometers), and test stand architecture
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Familiarity with DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments, LabVIEW, custom setups)
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Experience leading failure investigations and working through rapid design iterations
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
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Willingness to be 100% onsite in Atwater, CA (relocation support available)
Why This Role Is Unique
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Full ownership: You don’t just run tests: you design, build, and iterate the systems behind them
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Impact: You’ll be working on some of the most advanced propulsion tech in development today
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Environment: High-trust, execution-driven, and flat team structure with no red tape
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Location: Get Bay Area-level compensation in a lower-cost rural setting, minutes from Yosemite
The Testing You’re Leading:
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Engines using tap-off cycles, running on kerosene + LOX
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Systems generating 50,000-100,000+ lbs of thrust
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Testing includes engine-level and vehicle-integrated campaigns
This is not a desk job. If you’ve ever stood behind a blast wall, felt the rumble of a 3D-printed engine under test, and been the person calling the shots… you’re who we’re looking for.
If you’re ready to lead rocket engine testing that pushes the envelope, get in touch or send your resume for a confidential conversation.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Adam Slade