Early Career Test Operations Engineer - Propulsion

Early Career Test Operations Engineer – Propulsion

Job Title: Early Career Test Operations Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB, TN

Job Family Code: O–Engineering

Function/Branch: Engineering / Propulsion

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular, Full-Time

Pay Type: Exempt

Sponsorship: Position Not Sponsored

Grade: L06 (OA0614) – L07 (OA0713)

Salary Range: Grade 06: $80,000 – $97,000;
Grade 07: $83,000 – $105,000 per year

Beyond New Horizons LLC (BNH) offers an opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer in the Propulsion Test Group at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The role involves operating and maintaining ground test facilities used for development and evaluation of propulsion systems such as turbojet and turbofan air breathing engines and ramjets to support U.S. Air Force test operations.

Open to internal or external candidates. The selected candidate must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.

We seek a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer to serve as the “quarterback” in a control room, planning and executing test plans. The engineer will provide technical direction for safe and reliable operation of test equipment, integration of customer test articles, and risk assessment. This position requires shift work to support testing demands.

• Learn and understand test systems and respond to alarms/alerts, ensuring safety of crew, facility, and test article.
• Respond to system malfunctions during tests, troubleshoot and direct corrective maintenance activities.
• Coordinate work with area superintendents, craft supervisors, and work planners; provide technical leadership to crew during work orders and operational procedures.
• Ensure proper test/operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, etc.).
• Perform facility characterization, calibrations, monitor performance, and maintain system capability maps and envelopes.
• Operate assigned test cell systems and serve as system engineer for equipment within the test cell, performing small design and analysis tasks as needed.
• Develop test operational requirements, ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound.
• Direct test system checkouts and testing as required.
• Work with multidisciplinary engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the control room.
• Work extra hours and/or support off‑shift testing as required.
• Communicate clearly using various methods.
• Wear company‑issued PPE in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Grade L07:
  Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network.
• U.S. citizenship required for employment at AEDC.
• Less than 5 years post‑degree engineering experience.

• Practical application of mechanical engineering systems, CAE/CAD tools, and construction methods.
• Multidisciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems).
• Ability to work dynamically and flexibly to accomplish mission objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated decision‑making in high‑pressure environments.
• Experience building relationships across engineering and craft workforce.
• Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate project progress.
• Proactive initiative driving results.
• Technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding.
• Fosters a work environment based on openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

• Competitive salaries.
• Continuing education assistance.
• Multiple healthcare benefits packages.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Paid time off (PTO) and federally recognized holidays.

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and other grounds prohibited by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.