Manufacturing Test Engineer, Propulsion

Propulsion Test EngineerAnduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will develop, build, and execute the test campaigns that qualify mission-critical air vehicle propulsion systems and micro-turbojets for production. In this role, you will take ownership of the physical and software test setups that validate engine performance, reliability, and operating limits, working directly with propulsion development engineers to adapt test capabilities as engine designs evolve. Every Propulsion Test Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of engine testing. You will design and fabricate physical test racks and instrumentation suites, write Python-based test software on Linux/Unix platforms, and control and monitor engine sub-assemblies over CAN bus networks. Crucially, you will act as the Test Director during live engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs—owning test cell safety, command execution, real-time data monitoring, and emergency abort sequences to ensure safe, repeatable, and high-fidelity testing.What You'll DoServe as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, managing test stand operations, console communication, go/no-go criteria, and emergency abort proceduresDesign, build, and maintain propulsion test hardware infrastructure, including instrumented test racks, sensor harnesses, engine test stands, and thrust measurement fixturesAuthor comprehensive propulsion test plans, run procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria in close collaboration with development engineersDevelop robust, automated test and data acquisition software in Python running on Linux/Unix systems to control engine profiles and record telemetryImplement and debug CAN bus communications to interface with Engine Control Units (ECUs), smart actuators, fuel pumps, and test stand controllersIntegrate and calibrate propulsion test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples/RTDs, mass flow meters, and vibration sensorsConfigure, operate, and troubleshoot Linux/Unix test systems using terminal command-line tools, SSH, and network debugging utilitiesPerform rapid root-cause analysis (RCCA) on unexpected engine behaviors, instrumentation dropouts, or hardware anomalies observed during test executionAnalyze post-test steady-state and transient telemetry (thrust, fuel flow, turbine inlet temperature, spool response) and generate detailed test summary reportsMaintain and scale propulsion test cell facilities, driving improvements in turnaround time, automated checkout procedures, and facility safetyRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience in managing control room operations, coordinating complex test schedules, and maintaining accurate inventory tracking systems.3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, or engine test cell operationsDirect, hands-on experience with micro-turbojet engine testing (mandatory)Proven experience serving as a Test Director, console operator, or lead test engineer during live engine runs or hazardous hot-fire operationsDemonstrated experience designing, building, and wiring test racks, instrumentation boxes, and benchtop DAQ systemsProficiency writing automated test, control, and data acquisition software in Python within a Linux/Unix environmentStrong Linux/Unix systems knowledge, including terminal command-line proficiency, SSH, and network configuration/debuggingHands-on experience with CAN bus hardware interfaces and messaging protocols for control and data loggingExperience selecting, wiring, and calibrating sensors: pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and flow metersEligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearancePreferred QualificationsBroader turbine, rocket, or internal combustion engine test experienceExperience with fluid systems, high-pressure plumbing, fuel delivery lines, valves, and regulators (e.g., Swagelok)Familiarity with CAD tools (such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks) for engine test stand and mounting fixture designExperience with high-speed data acquisition platforms (e.g., National Instruments cDAQ/cRIO) and hardware-level signal conditioningFamiliarity with AS9100 or aerospace quality standards as applied to flight hardware testing and validationActive U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearanceUS Salary Range $132,000 —$175,000 USDThe salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: