Propulsion Test Facility Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Manager, Propulsion Test Facility provides technical and operational leadership for a test facility supporting product qualification, research and development, validation, and customer test programs. This role is responsible for planning, executing, and continuously improving complex test programs while providing day-to-day management of the facility, test team, priorities, and resources to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. The facility supports a broad range of mechanical, fluid, and thermal testing, with its primary focus being the safe operation and testing of cryogenic systems utilizing liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid methane (LCH4), and other hazardous fluids. The Manager develops test procedures, leads test execution, and drives technical problem solving across diverse test programs.

The Manager, Propulsion Test Facility leads the Operations Engineer, Test Engineer, and test technicians, providing technical leadership, mentoring, and day-to-day direction to ensure successful test execution and continuous improvement of facility operations. This role collaborates with the R&D engineering office, manufacturing, quality, and customers to maintain facility readiness, improve test capabilities, uphold the highest safety standards, and ensure compliance with applicable technical, regulatory, and company requirements for high-pressure, hazardous fluid, and cryogenic operations.

Key Result Areas

Test Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of customer test programs and product qualification
• Review and approve test plans, procedures, instrumentation requirements, and acceptance criteria to ensure safe, repeatable, and high-quality testing
• Provide technical leadership during test execution, troubleshoot issues, and drive timely resolution of technical challenges
• Own and coordinate test schedules, staffing, resources, and priorities with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management to meet project objectives
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, data quality, facility utilization, and overall test efficiency

Facility Operations & Cryogenic Systems

• Provide operational and technical oversight for the safe operation and readiness of the test facility, with primary responsibility for cryogenic systems utilizing LOX, LH2, LN2, LCH4, other hazardous fluids, and high-pressure gasses
• Direct and coordinate with the Operations Engineer to maintain the reliability and readiness of test stands, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition systems, utilities, and cryogenic infrastructure
• Lead troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and facility upgrades to improve safety, capability, and operational performance
• Ensure testing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable company procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure safe execution of all testing activities, particularly those involving cryogenic fluids, hazardous materials, and high-pressure systems
• Lead hazard analyses, risk assessments, incident investigations, and development and implementation of operating procedures
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Technical Leadership, Team Development, & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead the test facility team and foster collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations to successfully execute customer test programs
• Build team capability through mentoring, training, and qualification in test planning, execution, troubleshooting, and safe operation of complex test systems
• Establish clear roles, expectations, operating processes, and accountability while promoting continuous learning, technical excellence, process discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the test organization
• Support customer interactions, technical reviews, and audits as the technical and operational lead for the test facility
• Provide day-to-day leadership, work direction, coaching, and mentorship to the Operations Engineer, Test Engineer, and test technicians
• Directly responsible for hiring, performance management, training and qualification, and career development for test facility personnel

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred).

· 5+  years of experience in aerospace, propulsion, or cryogenic test facility operations.

· Demonstrated experience leading complex technical operations in safety-critical environments.

· Deep knowledge of cryogenic propellants (LOX, LH2, LN2, methane), fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition.

· Proven operational leadership experience managing test facilities or similar industrial infrastructure.

· Experience establishing safety programs and leading teams in hazardous environments.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience supporting spaceflight hardware development, qualification, or production programs.

· Experience commissioning or upgrading cryogenic test infrastructure.

· Familiarity with propulsion systems, turbomachinery, valves, or flow control hardware testing.

· Experience implementing quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Other:

Working knowledge of NASA, ISO, NFPA, and AS9100 standards.

Experience operating in ITAR/EAR controlled environments.

Export Control:

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Candidates must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR and EAR.

Physical & Mental Demands:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is primarily required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend. Must be able to speak and communicate clearly with others. This position requires the ability to exert up to 25      pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and up to 5 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Corrected vision of 20/20 or adequate equivalency is required, along with the ability to identify and distinguish colors. 
• Mental Demands: While performing the duties of      this position, the incumbent must be able to read, write, analyze data and      reports, exercise sound judgment, develop plans, procedures, and goals, present information to others, and perform effectively under pressure. 
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent will be working in a C1D2 environment, where the incumbent is exposed to hazardous materials, fumes, or airborne articles, as well as moving mechanical parts with vibration. High levels of manufacturing and equipment noise is also present. Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor settings within a manufacturing environment, subject to variable temperatures and conditions. Outdoor duties may be performed in direct sunlight and elevated ambient temperatures characteristic of Florida's summer climate, where heat index values can be extreme.  

Compensation and Benefits :

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $140,000 and is commensurate with the applicant’s experience. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base for this position. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.

Barber-Nichols offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• FSA and HSA with company paid HSA quarterly contributions
• Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match and Profit Sharing
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Performance-based bonus program
• Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave

To view our full list of benefits, please visit Careers - Barber-Nichols .

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Security clearance is not required for this position .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by law. Barber-Nichols will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

Barber-Nichols participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.