Director of Test

Director of Test

Your Mission

The Director of Test is responsible for leading LEAP's test organization and owning the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the company's rocket engine and stage test programs. This role has overall responsibility for the operation of LEAP's rocket engine and stage test site, including test planning, facility and test stand readiness, test campaign execution, test operations, and post-test activities. The Director also supports structural and environmental testing of launch vehicle hardware performed at LEAP facilities or at external test sites. The Director of Test leads the test operations organization and works closely with Directors of Manufacturing and Launch for continuity of launch vehicle and GSE from conceptual design to recurring build, test, and launch operations.

Own Core Responsibilities

• Establish requirements for test site readiness, maintenance, staffing, and operational support.
• Oversee test stand activation, commissioning, maintenance, and operational availability.
• Establish procedures for safe facility startup, test execution, shutdown, and post-test recovery.
• Lead and participate in HAZOPs and/or FMECAs.
• Develop and manage the Test organization operating and capital budgets.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and infrastructure requirements with Facilities and GSE Engineering.
• Build a culture centered on safety, technical rigor, data quality, and operational excellence.

What You Bring to the Team

• Required Skills Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace test, propulsion testing, vehicle testing, or another high-energy test environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading test engineering and/or test operations organizations.
• Demonstrated experience operating complex test facilities or test programs.
• Strong understanding of test safety, operational risk management, and configuration control.

Bonus Points

• Experience operating large-scale propulsion test facilities.
• Familiarity with FAA, NFPA, range, or other regulatory requirements applicable to rocket testing.
• Experience with liquid oxygen and hydrocarbon propulsion systems.
• Experience with stage-level testing and integrated vehicle testing.
• Experience building a test organization or test facility from the ground up.
• Experience containerizing mobile fluids systems for remote launch operations.

Compensation

Salary Range: $185,000 – $250,000

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: As an early team member, LEAP’s equity plan gives you a stake in the company’s success, aligning your contributions with long-term growth.
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!