Test Engineer – Rocket Engine Testing
Onsite – Atwater, CA
$110,000-$135,000 DOE + Benefits + Relocation Available
Cryogenic Engine Testing | Full-Lifecycle Ownership | Highly Hands-On
We’re partnered with a space launch company running one of the most hands-on propulsion test sites in the country. They’re currently expanding their engine testing team at a dedicated facility in Atwater, CA, and looking for Test Engineers ready to get their hands dirty supporting hot-fire campaigns on high-thrust, cryogenic engines.
This role is perfect for engineers with some direct test experience who are looking to own real hardware, operate critical systems, and work on bleeding-edge propulsion tech.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Support the setup, execution, and analysis of rocket engine and structural tests
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Assemble, troubleshoot, and operate test stands involving LOX, kerosene, and other hazardous fluids
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Develop and refine test procedures, startup/shutdown sequences, and safety documentation
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Install and calibrate instrumentation (thermocouples, load cells, pressure transducers, accelerometers, etc.)
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Collaborate with propulsion, GSE, controls, and software teams to integrate and iterate test hardware
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Participate in failure investigations and drive root-cause analysis
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Continuously improve system performance, test cadence, and reliability
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Contribute to the buildout of fluid systems, structural assemblies, and control infrastructure
✅ What You’ll Need
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2+ years of experience in test engineering, propulsion testing, or similar high-hazard environments
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Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, or hazardous testing (including from university labs or clubs)
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Familiarity with P&IDs, fluid components, and instrumentation setups
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Ability to write and execute test procedures in fast-paced environments
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Exposure to data acquisition and control systems (LabVIEW, NI, etc.)
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Strong mechanical intuition and comfort working in the field
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A willingness to work around large, loud, high-energy systems
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline
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Must be 100% onsite in Atwater, CA – relocation assistance is available
Why This Role Is Special
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Extreme hardware: You’ll be testing engines in the 50,000-100,000+ lb thrust range
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Real ownership: You won’t just “support” tests – you’ll build the test stands, run the ops, and troubleshoot the results
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Tight-knit team: You’ll work closely with a small group of veteran engineers and be exposed to the entire vehicle lifecycle
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Quality of life: Bay Area-level salary in a low cost-of-living area near national parks and outdoors
This is an ideal opportunity for a junior-to-mid-level test engineer looking to level up fast in a high-impact environment. If you’ve fired an engine, built fluid systems, or chased down a DAQ issue at 2 AM with frost on your boots – you already know this is your kind of role.
If you’re interested or want more details, reach out directly for a confidential chat.
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Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Adam Slade