Propulsion Engineer, Engine Test

ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We’ve set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0. 

Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL thrive on creating simple yet effective systems to tackle the challenge that space launch presents.

Launch is just the beginning. Join ABL in paving the way for the next-generation space platform.

Propulsion Engineer, Engine Test

ABL’s Engine RE (Responsible Engineer) team owns the successful performance of all ABL rocket engines. A Propulsion Engineer, Engine Test on this team is responsible for planning and execution of engine testing at ABL. This means formulating initial test plans, sitting on console for engine hotfires, performing data reviews, and leading anomaly investigations.

In this role, you will work closely with test engineers and technicians to drive integration and test schedules that quickly buy down risk on ABL’s engine systems across development, qualification, and acceptance testing. You will own and maintain engine system schematics, balances, and sequences, while making decisions quickly and effectively. You’ll get your hands dirty inspecting engine hardware and will work closely with technicians to make changes to the hardware configuration. You will be responsible for increasing test cadence through automation and strategic scope reduction.

Engineers on the Engine RE team are highly motivated, proactive individuals who hold the highest level of accountability and drive a fast-paced environment at ABL’s test sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create test plans and lead Test Readiness Reviews
• Drive and maintain engine statepoints using engine simulation tools
• Own all hardware documentation and procedures
• Work with test technicians to integrate test articles, update and maintain hardware configuration
• Author and maintain automated test sequences
• Monitor live test data on-console to evaluate engine health during test operations
• Lead post-test data review, working closely with component owners to inform engine performance
• Utilize learnings from testing to drive component and software requirements, and define hardware interfaces
• Automate data review to increase test cadence

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in any engineering discipline from an accredited university
• ‍3+ years of industry experience in an integration & test, design, or production role

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• In-depth understanding of compressible/incompressible flow and thermodynamics
• Experience writing and executing test procedures and/or autosequences for complex hardware operations
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with experience writing test plans and executing readiness reviews
• Ability to program scripts in Python 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

• Critical thinking: ABL engineers understand the “why” behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
• Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
• End-to end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The Propulsion Engineer, Engine Test must be willing to travel to launch and test sites to support integration and test work

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.