Test Site Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.  

The Role: Test Site Supervisor
Venus is seeking an experienced Test Site Supervisor to lead the day-to-day operation of our propulsion test facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of hot-fire and cold-flow testing on liquid rocket propulsion systems using hazardous propellants. The Test Site Supervisor owns operational readiness at the test site: leading the test crew, directing test stand setup and checkout, enforcing safety and hazardous-material handling protocols, and ensuring every test is conducted in accordance with approved procedures and quality requirements. The successful candidate combines deep technical understanding of high-pressure fluid systems with proven supervisory experience in a hazardous, safety-critical environment. 

• Test Operations & Execution : Collaborate with test site operations, including test stand configuration, system checkout, propellant and pressurant loading, test execution, and securing of systems post-test. Coordinate test schedules, sequencing, and resource allocation to meet program milestones while maintaining safety as the top priority. Own test readiness: drive the completion of Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), procedure walk-downs, and system verifications prior to each test campaign. Troubleshoot test stand, fluid system, instrumentation, and data acquisition (DAQ) issues in real time and direct corrective action. 
• Safety, Hazardous Materials & Compliance : Enforce safe handling, storage, transfer, and disposal of hazardous propellants and media, in accordance with established procedures, SDS requirements, and site safety plans. Maintain and enforce hazard controls: exclusion/clear zones, lockout/tagout (LOTO), high-pressure system safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response readiness. Lead or support job hazard analyses, operational readiness reviews, and mishap/near-miss investigations. Ensure compliance with applicable EHS regulations and company environmental, health, and safety policies. Serve as a key responder and decision-maker during abnormal conditions, leaks, spills, or emergencies at the site. 
• Facility & Systems : Maintain the operational readiness of test infrastructure: high-pressure gas systems, propellant storage and transfer systems, fluid/feed systems, valves and regulators, and supporting utilities. Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration, and configuration control of test stand hardware and instrumentation. Manage consumables, spares, and propellant/pressurant inventory to support thetest schedule. Partner with design and engineering teams on test stand modifications, upgrades, and new-build commissioning. Ensure all test operations are executed to approved, controlled procedures with proper red-line and revision control. 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent combination of technical training and relevant hands-on experience in lieu of a degree. 
• 5 + years of experience in propulsion test, rocket engine/component test, hazardous fluid systems, or a comparable high-pressure / hazardous-media operations environment. 
• 2 + years of supervisory, lead, or test-conductor experience directing crews in a hands-on technical setting. 
• Working knowledge of high-pressure pneumatic and fluid systems, including valves, regulators, fittings, and instrumentation. 
• Demonstrated commitment to safety in a hazardous operations environment, including familiarity with hazard controls such as LOTO, exclusion zones, and PPE programs. 
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and engineering drawings. 
• Strong communication, decision-making, and crew-coordination skills, particularly under time pressure. 
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR (see Export Control note below). 

• Direct hands-on experience with hazardous propellants. 
• Experience as a Test Conductor on hot-fire propulsion testing. 
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems and real-time data review. 
• Experience operating within an AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management system, including procedure control and nonconformance/corrective -action processes. 
• Experience supporting test stand design, buildout, or commissioning. 
• Relevant safety or hazardous-materials certifications. 
• Work is performed primarily at an outdoor or semi-enclosed test site and is subject to variable weather conditions. 
• Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, high-pressure systems, high noise levels, and other industrial hazards. 
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 75-lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, climb stairs/ladders, and work at elevated heights as required.
• Test campaigns may require extended, non-standard, or on-call hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends to support the test schedule. 

Location: On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR   here.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email  View email address on ziprecruiter.com or call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.