Agile Space Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer IV/V

Agile Space Industries$117K — $212K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred).
  • 7+ years of hands-on propulsion or hardware testing experience.
  • Proven track record leading propulsion test campaigns or major hardware test programs.
  • Strong understanding of propulsion test stand architecture and safety systems.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and analysis tools (e.g., NI, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python).
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware.
  • Effective communication and leadership skills for coordinating cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead planning and execution of complex propulsion test campaigns.
  • Serve as the responsible engineer coordinating test operations, safety, and instrumentation.
  • Define test strategies and verification approaches for propulsion hardware development.
  • Configure test stands and fluid systems for test campaigns.
  • Direct real-time test operations including anomaly resolution and troubleshooting.
  • Analyze propulsion test data and provide recommendations to design teams.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing technical leadership.

Benefits

  • Generous health coverage including dental and vision plans.
  • Flexible Time Off and parental leave.
  • 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.
  • Commitment to diversity and equal opportunity employment.
  • Accessible and inclusive application experience with accommodations available.
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer IV/V onsite in Durango, CO to lead the development, planning, and execution of propulsion test campaigns for liquid-fueled rocket engines and propulsion subsystems. This role is highly hands-on while also requiring strong technical leadership across test operations, facility infrastructure, and program execution.

The Test Engineer IV/V serves as a senior technical leader within the test organization, responsible for defining test strategies, leading complex test campaigns, and ensuring safe and efficient operation of propulsion test infrastructure. This role requires deep experience with propulsion testing, fluid systems, instrumentation, and ground support equipment.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments where engineering judgment, technical leadership, and hands-on problem solving are required to successfully execute propulsion development programs.

This position is ideal for experienced engineers who are comfortable in physically demanding conditions and thrive working outdoors year-round-whether it's actively snowing, raining, or over 1006F.

Responsibilities
  • Lead planning and execution of complex propulsion test campaigns including development testing, qualification testing, and customer test programs.
  • Serve as the responsible engineer for propulsion test campaigns, coordinating test operations, safety, instrumentation, and program teams.
  • Define test strategies, test objectives, and verification approaches for propulsion hardware development.
  • Lead configuration of test stands, fluid systems, and instrumentation required to support test campaigns.
  • Direct real-time test operations including anomaly resolution, troubleshooting, and operational decision-making.
  • Perform detailed analysis of propulsion test data and provide recommendations to propulsion design teams.
  • Develop and maintain advanced test procedures, facility operating procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Support design and upgrade of propulsion test infrastructure including propellant systems, pressurization systems, and ground support equipment.
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior test engineers and technicians.
  • Interface with internal program teams and external customers regarding test plans, test execution, and test results.
  • Drive continuous improvement of test operations, facility capability, and test efficiency.
  • Support failure investigations and root cause analysis following anomalous test events.
  • Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols including operation in hazardous environments requiring PPE and SCBA.
  • Perform other test-related duties as assigned by management.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • 7+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion or hardware testing.
  • Demonstrated experience leading propulsion test campaigns or major hardware test programs.
  • Strong knowledge of propulsion test stand architecture including fluid systems, instrumentation, and safety systems.
  • Experience with test data acquisition systems and analysis tools (NI, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, etc.).
  • Strong troubleshooting skills for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills when coordinating cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Ability to work extended shifts


Level Definitions

Test Engineer IV
  • Senior test engineer responsible for leading propulsion test campaigns and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Typically 7+ years of relevant propulsion or hardware test experience.

The expected salary range for this role is $117,000-$176,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end

Test Engineer V
  • Principal-level test engineer serving as a technical authority for propulsion test operations and infrastructure.
  • Typically 10+ years of propulsion testing or complex hardware test leadership experience.

The expected salary range for this role is $142,000-$212,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Durango, CO

Employment Type: Exempt

Onsite #LI-Onsite

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.

Salary Description

$117,000-$212,000

About Agile Space Industries

Agile Space Industries is a company that specializes in the development of propulsion systems for small satellites. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Fullerton, California. Agile Space Industries is focused on developing innovative propulsion solutions that enable small satellites to perform complex missions. The company's products include electric propulsion systems, chemical propulsion systems, and hybrid propulsion systems. Agile Space Industries has a team of experienced engineers and scientists who are dedicated to advancing the state of the art in small satellite propulsion.
Learn more about Agile Space Industries
Size
50 employees
Industry
Net Income
-$1 million
Founded
2009
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$5 million

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