Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs
Propulsion Test Engineer jobs are open across aerospace defense, commercial spaceflight, and advanced air mobility, covering specializations in rocket propulsion, engine performance analysis, and test facility operations, from entry-level test technician roles to senior and principal engineers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Engine Manufacturing team is dedicated to delivering high-performance engines and advancing innovative manufacturing systems that continuously improve cost, quality, and lead time. You're not just executing on designs; you actively provide input that shapes new hardware iterations and regularly interface with engineers to make critical decisions for the Aeon R program. Having successfully developed and refined processes for our initial development engines, the team is now focused on producing flight engines at rate for Terran R's aggressive launch manifest.
*note* First shift hours are 6am - 3pm
About the Role:
- Own the AeonR integrated assembly from design release to integration to shipment. This will include developing the build process to meet production targets and reduce build issues.
- Develop processes and specs that directly impact the production rate of AeonR engines.
- Support production as needed to deliver engines by resolving build issues, receiving and implementing technician feedback, supporting BOM updates and build checkouts.
- Support work center development by considering assembly operations, tooling and capital equipment requirements, and rate targets. You will also support engine work center development across sites.
- Author test procedures and act as test conductor to verify as-installed hardware health and build integrity.
- Assist with developing the business tools and processes that will be used to manufacture the first launch vehicle. In parallel, help to define and pilot the long-term ERP, MES, and QMS solutions that will enable high-quality, efficient vehicle manufacturing.
About You:
- B.S. degree in Engineering
- Strong communication skills, and ability to write detailed work instructions and process plans
- Ability to effectively investigate, resolve and screen hardware non-conformances
- Ability to work with and train technicians
- Ability to work with vendors to get parts made quickly and reliably
- Familiarity with Additive Manufacturing, Subtractive Manufacturing and associated precision inspection techniques
Nice to haves but not required:
- Experience leading a small team
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
- Experience working in a propulsion development program
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.
At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Engine Manufacturing team is dedicated to delivering high-performance engines and advancing innovative manufacturing systems that continuously improve cost, quality, and lead time. You're not just executing on designs; you actively provide input that shapes new hardware iterations and regularly interface with engineers to make critical decisions for the Aeon R program. Having successfully developed and refined processes for our initial development engines, the team is now focused on producing flight engines at rate for Terran R's aggressive launch manifest.
*note* First shift hours are 6am - 3pm
About the Role:
- Own the AeonR integrated assembly from design release to integration to shipment. This will include developing the build process to meet production targets and reduce build issues.
- Develop processes and specs that directly impact the production rate of AeonR engines.
- Support production as needed to deliver engines by resolving build issues, receiving and implementing technician feedback, supporting BOM updates and build checkouts.
- Support work center development by considering assembly operations, tooling and capital equipment requirements, and rate targets. You will also support engine work center development across sites.
- Author test procedures and act as test conductor to verify as-installed hardware health and build integrity.
- Assist with developing the business tools and processes that will be used to manufacture the first launch vehicle. In parallel, help to define and pilot the long-term ERP, MES, and QMS solutions that will enable high-quality, efficient vehicle manufacturing.
About You:
- B.S. degree in Engineering
- Strong communication skills, and ability to write detailed work instructions and process plans
- Ability to effectively investigate, resolve and screen hardware non-conformances
- Ability to work with and train technicians
- Ability to work with vendors to get parts made quickly and reliably
- Familiarity with Additive Manufacturing, Subtractive Manufacturing and associated precision inspection techniques
Nice to haves but not required:
- Experience leading a small team
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
- Experience working in a propulsion development program
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.
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Find Propulsion Test Engineer JobsPropulsion Test Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Aerospace & Defense
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in propulsion test engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering required
- Experience designing, executing, and analyzing propulsion system test campaigns
- Proficiency with data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW or equivalent platforms
- Familiarity with liquid or solid propellant handling and test safety protocols
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance as needed
- Experience writing test plans, test reports, and anomaly resolution documentation
Tips for Your Propulsion Test Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to test types
Distinguish clearly between hot-fire testing, cold-flow testing, and altitude simulation on your resume. Hiring managers scan for the specific test modalities their facility runs, so matching your listed experience to their infrastructure gives you an immediate advantage.
Highlight data acquisition system experience
Call out the specific DAQ hardware and software you've used, whether LabVIEW, National Instruments systems, or custom telemetry setups. Generic mentions of data collection won't stand out the way a named system will, especially at facilities with proprietary test rigs.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists propulsion test engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for live test scenario questions
Interviewers at propulsion test facilities often ask you to walk through how you'd respond to an anomaly mid-test, like an unexpected pressure spike or sensor dropout. Practice talking through your decision logic out loud, not just the technical answer.
Get your safety certifications current before applying
Many test facility postings require active hazardous materials handling or range safety officer credentials. Letting these lapse between jobs is a common barrier that delays offers, so verify your certifications are valid before submitting applications.
Follow up after a technical assessment
If you complete a take-home analysis or in-person test exercise, send a brief follow-up referencing one insight from the problem. It signals genuine interest and gives the hiring team something specific to remember you by when they debrief.
Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most propulsion test engineers?
Relativity Space, Virgin Galactic, and Voyager Technologies are hiring the most propulsion test engineers right now, with openings concentrated in California, Texas, and Colorado, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Defense contractors and commercial launch companies account for the majority of active postings.
How many propulsion test engineer jobs are remote?
About 0% of propulsion test engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most roles require hands-on access to test facilities and hardware. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote flexibility are data analysis, post-test report writing, and systems modeling roles that don't require physical presence at a test stand.
How do you become a propulsion test engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering, then focus electives and senior projects on propulsion, thermodynamics, or combustion. Internships at test facilities or propulsion labs give you hands-on exposure to DAQ systems and test procedures that employers look for. Entry roles often carry titles like test engineer associate or propulsion engineer I, and you build toward more complex test campaigns as you advance.
Can you get a propulsion test engineer job with little experience?
Yes, employers do hire candidates with limited professional experience when they can demonstrate relevant technical exposure. University rocketry teams, senior capstone projects involving engine design or hot-fire tests, and internships at aerospace companies all count. Focus your applications on contractor positions or government test ranges, which often have structured entry-level programs designed to train early-career engineers in facility operations and safety protocols.
What does the propulsion test engineer interview process look like?
Most companies run a phone or video screen focused on your engineering background and test experience, followed by a technical interview covering propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics, and instrumentation. Many facilities add a practical component where you walk through how you'd plan or troubleshoot a test sequence. Final rounds often include a site visit or panel interview with the test operations team, and some roles require a background check for facility access.
Where can I find and apply to propulsion test engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to propulsion test engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 38 Propulsion Test Engineer Jobs
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