Propulsion Test Engineer (SRM)

About the Role The Destinus engineering team is seeking a highly motivated, operations-focused Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the safe planning, execution, and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. This role is strongly hands-on and centered on test readiness, procedural rigor, and operational safety, ensuring reliable, repeatable, and compliant testing of energetic propulsion systems. The ideal candidate has experience owning test campaigns end-to-end in high-energy, hazardous test environments, with a strong mindset for risk identification, hazard mitigation, and disciplined execution.

What You’ll Do

• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns
• Define and author test plans and test procedures for SRM and igniter testing, ensuring clarity, repeatability, and traceability of objectives and results.
• Lead test readiness reviews (TRR) and pre-test briefings, confirming technical, operational, and safety readiness prior to ignition.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety concepts, hazard analyses, contingency plans, and emergency procedures specific to energetic systems, propellants, ignition devices, and pressurized hardware.
• Act as test conductor during live firings, coordinating personnel, enforcing safety zones, making technical decisions to ensure test objectives are achieved, and responding to off-nominal or abort conditions
• Ensure strict compliance with internal safety standards and applicable regulations related to explosives, energetic materials, and high-temperature exhaust environments.
• Support the definition and validation of instrumentation and data acquisition requirements to ensure test objectives are met.
• Oversee test setup integration, inspection, dry runs, and functional verifications of motors, igniters, firing circuits, and safety interlocks.
• Lead or support test anomaly, misfire, or incident investigations, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Produce high-quality test documentation, including test plans, risk assessments, test reports, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure alignment between test objectives, design maturity, and operational constraints.
• Support the development and improvement of test infrastructure, firing stands, remote operations, and safety systems for solid rocket motor testing. · Act as the testing/integration representative within the cross-functional project team, reviewing mechanical and propulsion design concepts early to ensure testability, instrumentability, and assembly feasibility before designs are finalized

What You’ll Need

• BSc. or MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in propulsion or high-energy system testing, with strong exposure to test operations and execution.
• Strong understanding of rocket propulsion is required, with experience specifically in solid rocket motors considered a plus
• Experience in propulsion testing, such as static firing or ignition system validation, is a strong plus.
• Experience working with energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnic devices, or high-pressure systems is highly required.
• Demonstrated experience in test planning, procedural definition, and hands-on test execution.
• Strong background in test safety, including hazard identification, risk assessments, explosive safety, and emergency response planning.
• Familiarity with propulsion test instrumentation and data acquisition systems (pressure transducers, thermocouples, thrust measurement, ignition circuits).
• Ability to operate calmly and decisively during time-critical ignition and firing operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead test activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary development team.
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.