Propulsion Test Engineer (SRM)

About the role

The Destinus engineering team is looking for a highly motivated, operations-focused Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the safe planning, execution and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. The role is hands-on and centred on test readiness, procedural rigor and operational safety, ensuring reliable, repeatable and compliant testing of energetic propulsion systems. It suits someone who owns test campaigns end-to-end in high-energy, hazardous environments.

Key responsibilities

• Own the planning, coordination and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns
• Define and author test plans and test procedures, ensuring clarity, repeatability and traceability
• Lead test readiness reviews and pre-test briefings, confirming technical, operational and safety readiness
• Develop and improve safety concepts, hazard analyses, contingency plans and emergency procedures for energetic systems and pressurised hardware
• Act as test conductor during live firings, enforce safety zones and respond to off-nominal or abort conditions
• Ensure compliance with internal safety standards and regulations on explosives, energetic materials and high-temperature exhausts
• Support instrumentation and data acquisition requirements, and oversee setup integration, dry runs and functional verifications
• Lead or support investigations of anomalies, misfires or incidents, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Produce test plans, risk assessments, test reports and lessons learned
• Collaborate with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineers, and act as testing/integration representative in the project team
• Support test infrastructure, firing stands, remote operations and safety systems

Required profile

• BSc. or MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum 2 years of experience in propulsion or high-energy system testing
• Strong understanding of rocket propulsion; experience with solid rocket motors is a plus
• Experience 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
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus

Required skills

• Test safety, hazard identification, risk assessment and emergency response planning
• Familiarity with propulsion test instrumentation and data acquisition (pressure transducers, thermocouples, thrust measurement, ignition circuits)
• Ability to work calmly and decisively during ignition and firing operations
• Strong communication and leadership skills, and ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced team