Position Summary: Revolution Space is looking for a dynamic and growth-oriented Senior R&D Engineer to lead the testing and integration of propulsion systems for advanced propulsion concepts. Responsibilities include test design, structural/thermal analysis, manufacturing collaboration, and performance data analysis. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, primarily scientists and test engineers, to ensure safe, and efficient validation of propulsion concepts that meet performance requirements for challenging space missions within a laboratory environment.
The position is full-time. Onsite required within greater Boston area.
Responsibilities:- Collaborate with scientists, propulsion engineers, and multi-disciplinary technical team to translate experimental objectives into test setup designs, defining requirements, interfaces, constraints, and success criteria.
- Develop and modify specialized test equipment to support evolving test requirements.
- Support rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Review CAD models, engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and analysis results (structural, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fluid interface) to confirm hardware meets test and safety requirements, and recommended materials, components, and instrumentation as needed.
- Conduct R&D testing, partnering closing with test engineering team on operation and safety requirements; support integration, troubleshooting and commissioning of test hardware.
- Participate in test planning, readiness reviews, hazard assessments, and post-test evaluations.
- Lead test design and procurement of test articles, coordinating with internal manufacturing and external vendors to ensure hardware is delivered on schedule.
- Drive technical issues to closure while balancing schedule, cost, and technical performance, and identify opportunities to improve reliability, maintainability, and test throughput
- Generate and maintain technical documentation, including operating procedures, work instructions, and configuration records
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 8+ years of experience with mechanical systems, test equipment, propulsion hardware, or Ground Support Equipment (GSE), either through design or through test/integration engineering
- Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent)
- Experience producing manufacturing drawings compliant with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
- Knowledge of mechanical design principles, structural analysis, materials selection, and manufacturing processes
- Experience with hardware in vacuum and laboratory environments
- Demonstrated ability to work closely with scientists, technicians, and test engineers to develop experimental hardware
- Experience supporting hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and test execution
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document technical work
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience working in fast-paced R&D environments where hardware is rapidly designed, built, tested, and iterated
- Experience supporting Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Failure Reviews, and Root Cause Analyses
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Experience with liquid, gaseous, or electric propulsion systems
- Experience with instrumentation integration, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, flow meters, and valves
- Knowledge of fluid systems, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, or high-pressure gas systems
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations to support design decisions
- Knowledge of configuration management, risk management, and engineering change processes
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government-funded research programs
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead mechanical design efforts while effectively collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Experience programming post-processing/data reduction of test data
Benefits- Paid holidays, sick time and unmetered vacation
- Excellent health and dental plans with 80% employer contribution
- 4% company matching 401k plan with immediate vesting
- Life Insurance
- Long-term / short term disability
- Education assistance
The pay range for this role is:
130,400 - 195,600 USD per year (Boston)
