Test Operator

Who We Are:

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace.

At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

As a Test Operator, you will be at the center of propulsion and systems testing, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and drive continuous improvements in test execution.

• Coordinate and execute test campaigns, including propulsion hot fires, structural, vibration, and thermal testing.
• Operate and monitor test stand systems, propulsion hardware, and instrumentation.
• Lead the execution of test procedures, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and safety standards.
• Author, review, and refine detailed test procedures and analyze test data for accuracy and performance.
• Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot instrumentation issues and improve reliability.
• Support setup, upgrades, maintenance, and breakdown of test stands to ensure readiness for future campaigns.
• Act as the key liaison between test, propulsion, manufacturing, and technician teams to ensure smooth test stand operations.
• Implement and maintain end‑to‑end data acquisition systems by authoring and integrating software code, developing the graphical user interface (GUI), and verifying instrument fidelity at company test sites to successfully operate systems and collect performance data.
• Analyze test data in real time using engineering tools and scripts for visualization and evaluation.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to improve hardware configurations, data collection tools and methods, and modify procedures to enhance overall test performance and reliability.
• Work with test technicians and operations teams to continuously improve personnel and hardware safety at the test site through planning and implementation of operational procedures.
• Monitor hardware and instrumentation at the test site and troubleshoot as needed to maintain or improve data fidelity.

• 1 – 3 years of experience in a hardware testing environment. (Nationally recognized rocket club experience is accepted as qualifying hands‑on experience)
• Hands‑on knowledge of test components: valves, pneumatic actuators/solenoids, limit switches, relief valves, pressure transducers, thermocouples, pressure vessels, GUIs/HMIs, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to read P&IDs and understand the flow of gases and fluids.
• Capable of performing basic instrumentation tasks, including wire cutting, crimping, and soldering.
• Ability to read and follow engineering instructions and independently implement new tools or data collection methods.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software.
• Clear communication skills, including over comms devices while operating consoles (computer workstation).
• Ability to thrive both as part of a collaborative team and as a self‑driven individual.
• Comfortable working outdoors as needed; able to lift up to 25 lbs; capable of extended desk/computer work.

• Experience with mechanical and fluid system design.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical fabrication.
• Experience with pressurized gases and liquids up to 6000 psia.
• Experience with NI hardware (PXIe, cRIO, cDAQ).
• Experience designing and commissioning new test facilities.
• Experience with GIT repositories and/or JSON file types.
• Experience with LabVIEW.
• Experience with Vizio.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with Confluence or Jira.

On‑site in Houston, TX.

Venus…