Rocket Test Manager

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

$186K — $235K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or related STEM field.
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance required.
  • 15+ years of experience in integration and test engineering for rocket propulsion systems.
  • Hands-on experience as Test Engineer and Test Conductor for various testing campaigns.
  • Expertise in multiple propulsion testing disciplines, including solid and liquid DACS systems.
  • Proven leadership in test facility design and certification processes.
  • Experience in environmental testing and safety methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and excellence.
  • Oversee the full test lifecycle for rocket motor and DACS programs from planning to reporting.
  • Act as Test Engineer and Conductor for static fire and qualification tests.
  • Direct the design and operational readiness of high-pressure test facilities.
  • Manage environmental testing activities on various propulsion hardware.
  • Conduct Process Hazard Analyses and implement corrective actions.
  • Engage with DoD customers on test planning and results presentations.

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off policy for a healthy work-life balance.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with substantial company coverage.
  • Affordable gym memberships available nationwide and on-demand workout videos.
  • 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 4% for long-term financial security.
  • Wellness programs focusing on mental and physical health.
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee resources offered.
  • Collaborative and innovative team environment.
Full Job Description
About the Job

The Rocket Test Manager leads a team of engineers and technicians responsible for the full lifecycle of rocket motor and DACS (Divert Attitude Control System) test programs-from facility design and certification through R&D, qualification, and production acceptance testing. This role is the technical and managerial authority for all test activities and serves as the primary interface with program management, systems engineering, and DoD customers.

In this role, the essential functions are:
  • Lead and manage a team of test engineers and technicians; define roles, allocate resources, and drive a culture of safety and technical excellence across concurrent programs.
  • Own the full test lifecycle for rocket motor and DACS programs: planning, procedure development, execution, data review, and reporting.
  • Serve as Test Engineer and Test Conductor for static fire, qualification, and production acceptance campaigns on energetic and inert propulsion hardware.
  • Lead facility design, startup, certification, checkout, and operational readiness for test stands and associated high-pressure liquid and gas infrastructure.
  • Direct environmental test activities including thermal, shock, vibration, and altitude testing on inert and energetic test articles.
  • Lead Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), PFMEAs, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
  • Interface with DoD and MDA customers on test planning, readiness reviews (TRRs), and test results presentations.
  • Support proposal development including basis of estimate, staffing plans, and facility capability assessments.

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college or university.
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.
  • 15 or more years of integration and test engineering experience for rocket propulsion systems, with demonstrated team leadership of engineers and technicians.
  • Hands-on Test Engineer and Test Conductor experience across R&D, qualification, and production acceptance campaigns.
  • Experience across multiple propulsion testing disciplines: controllable solids, solid and liquid DACS kill vehicle (KV) systems, and axial propulsion.
  • Experience leading test facility design, startup, certification, and checkout of high-pressure liquid and gas test stands.
  • Demonstrated environmental test experience (thermal, shock, vibration, altitude) on energetic and inert hardware, along with proficiency in process safety methods including PHA, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and corrective action execution.
  • Test planning, procedure authorship, execution, and data analysis for rocket motor and DACS systems; hands-on operation of complex test facilities and propulsion hardware; familiarity with instrumentation and controls including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, strain gauges, and data acquisition systems; and strong verbal and written communication skills with experience presenting test results to government customers and program leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with MDA Assurance Provisions (MAP) and PMAP requirements.
  • Background in field test operations at government flight test ranges, outdoor test facilities, or aviation processing facilities; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management training.

Travel, Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:
  • Must be able to travel approximately 15-20% of the time to support test events, customer reviews, and off-site facility operations.
  • Must meet physical requirements for working in a test facility environment, including proximity to energetic materials and high-pressure systems.

The good faith base salary range for this role is $186,000-$235,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
  • Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
  • Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
  • The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

California pay range

$186,000-$235,000 USD

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