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

• Support the setup, execution, and analysis of rocket engine and structural tests

• Assemble, troubleshoot, and operate test stands involving LOX, kerosene, and other hazardous fluids

• Develop and refine test procedures, startup/shutdown sequences, and safety documentation

• Install and calibrate instrumentation (thermocouples, load cells, pressure transducers, accelerometers, etc.)

• Collaborate with propulsion, GSE, controls, and software teams to integrate and iterate test hardware

• Participate in failure investigations and drive root-cause analysis

• Continuously improve system performance, test cadence, and reliability

• Contribute to the buildout of fluid systems, structural assemblies, and control infrastructure

✅ What You’ll Need

• 2+ years of experience in test engineering, propulsion testing, or similar high-hazard environments

• Hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, or hazardous testing (including from university labs or clubs)

• Familiarity with P&IDs, fluid components, and instrumentation setups

• Ability to write and execute test procedures in fast-paced environments

• Exposure to data acquisition and control systems (LabVIEW, NI, etc.)

• Strong mechanical intuition and comfort working in the field

• A willingness to work around large, loud, high-energy systems

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline

• Must be 100% onsite in Atwater, CA – relocation assistance is available

Why This Role Is Special

• Extreme hardware: You’ll be testing engines in the 50,000-100,000+ lb thrust range

• Real ownership: You won’t just “support” tests – you’ll build the test stands, run the ops, and troubleshoot the results

• Tight-knit team: You’ll work closely with a small group of veteran engineers and be exposed to the entire vehicle lifecycle

• 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