Propulsion Test Engineer - Spacecraft

Job Title: Propulsion Test Engineer- Spacecraft

Location: Briggs, TX

Employment Type: Direct Hire 

Industry: Aerospace and Defense

Compensation: $140 - $150k annually

Schedule: 40 hrs/ Week

About the Opportunity:

• We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility. 
• This role is for a hands-on test professional with proven expertise in liquid propulsion testing who can lead complex test campaigns and drive operational excellence in our hypergolic test programs.
• As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine and other liquid propulsion systems supporting the lunar lander program. 
• Your expertise will directly impact mission success as we prepare our systems for lunar missions.
• Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of our space industry. 

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally. 

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience across industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive the business outcomes they seek. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

TODAY

What You'll Do:

• Specter is an engine built on site, tested on site, and operated by you to be ready to fly to the lunar surface and beyond.
• Lead the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and operational sequences for complex propulsion system testing.
• Serve as test conductor for critical test operations, managing console operations, data acquisition systems, and test team communications.
• Perform and oversee hands-on setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems, pressurization systems, and safety systems.
• Execute propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations in accordance with approved procedures.
• Analyze test data in real-time and post-test to verify system performance, identify anomalies, and validate test objectives using tools such as Python and LabVIEW.
• Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate with propulsion design engineers, systems engineers, and technicians to resolve technical issues and optimize test operations.
• Support design reviews and provide test operations input to hardware and facility design efforts.
• Develop and improve test infrastructure, instrumentation strategies, and operational capabilities.
• Ensure all test operations comply with safety protocols, hazard controls, and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations.
• Participate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviews.
• Maintain accurate test documentation, configuration control, and test records.
• Support development and review of facility procedures, work instructions, and safety documentation.
• Work directly with stakeholders of the Lunar Lander program and other client propulsion development efforts.
• Support test schedule development and resource planning for propulsion test campaigns.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to junior test engineers and technicians.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• 2+ years of experience with liquid rocket propulsion test operations, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• 2+ years of experience with leading or conducting liquid propulsion hotfire tests (engine, thruster, or integrated vehicle).
• 2+ years of experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, thrust), and sensor calibration.
• 2+ years of experience with test data analysis and reporting.
• 2+ years of experience with liquid rocket propulsion to plan and execute critical hotfire testing, lead anomaly resolution efforts, and mentor junior test personnel.

What Sets You Apart:

• Good understanding of liquid propulsion systems, including propellant feed systems, pressurization systems, ignition systems, and propellant chemistry.
• Proficiency with fluid systems, including valves, regulators, pressure vessels, propellant transfer systems, and leak detection methods.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control schematics, and engineering drawings for complex fluid systems.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex systems under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen

After you , you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.