Systems Engineer IV - Test

Job Summary

The Test Engineer Level V serves as a senior technical authority and test lead responsible for defining, executing, and optimizing complex test campaigns for rocket motor systems and propulsion subsystems. This role provides strategic leadership and mentorship, ensuring technical excellence across multiple programs. The Level V engineer sets test strategies, develops innovative test methodologies, and serves as a key interface with senior management, customers, and government representatives.

This position also drives long‑term capability development within the test organization, promoting standardization, efficiency, and advanced data‑driven test practices.

• Serve as technical authority and lead test director for major integration and qualification test campaigns.
• Develop and approve test strategies, architectures, and methodologies to meet complex program requirements.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple programs, ensuring consistency in test practices and adherence to company and industry standards.
• Oversee design and validation of test systems, hardware, and software for SWIL, HWIL, and full‑scale tests.
• Guide root‑cause investigations and lead technical review boards for test anomalies and post‑test data assessments.
• Represent the organization in customer and government reviews (TRR, CDR, etc.), presenting technical findings, risk mitigations, and test results.
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement initiatives in test design, instrumentation, data acquisition, and automation.
• Mentor, coach, and develop engineers across levels, fostering technical depth and leadership growth within the team.
• Collaborate with program management and systems engineering to ensure test activities are integrated into overall development plans and schedules.
• Champion safety, reliability, and compliance in all test operations.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, digital test tools, and advanced modeling/simulation techniques to enhance test fidelity and efficiency.
• Support proposal development and technical volume authorship related to test and integration strategy.

• Mastery in test planning, execution, data analysis, and root‑cause resolution.
• Advanced proficiency in data acquisition, instrumentation calibration, and automation methodologies.
• High‑level programming and analytical capability (C/C++, MATLAB, Python, Simulink), with emphasis on simulation and controls integration.
• Deep understanding of serial communication protocols (RS‑422, RS‑485, CAN) and distributed control systems.
• Exceptional leadership, technical decision‑making, and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical information for executives, customers, and technical teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; adept at prioritizing in dynamic environments.
• Skilled at leading design and test reviews, authoring technical reports, and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and industry‑standard data analysis tools.

• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in test engineering for propulsion systems, aerospace hardware, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership across large‑scale integration and test efforts involving complex propulsion or aerospace systems.
• Recognized subject‑matter expert (SME) in test engineering for propulsion or aerospace systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to interface effectively with executive leadership, customers, and external agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through high‑visibility, high‑risk test campaigns with significant technical and schedule complexity.
• Deep understanding of MIL‑STD practices and aerospace qualification/acceptance testing, with the ability to interpret, tailor, and apply them across diverse programs.
• Proven record of delivering results under demanding program conditions while maintaining technical rigor and safety.
• Strong program planning and systems‑thinking abilities; capable of aligning test strategy with broader program and organizational objectives.
• Extensive hands‑on…