Test Engineer

The role

The Test Engineer will design, build, and operate fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for component, engine, and stage-level testing. This role involves managing test stands from schematic through commissioning and troubleshooting hardware and software.

What you will do

• Design and build fluid, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems for component, engine, and stage-level test
• Own P&IDs and take fluid system designs from schematic through procurement, fabrication, and checkout
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot systems including electrical and software sides
• Safely operate high-pressure and cryogenic systems: LOX, LNG, high-pressure gas
• Develop procedures and run them as test conductor
• Perform hazard analysis and set safety controls, exclusion zones, and abort criteria
• Instrument tests including sensor selection, calibration, DAQ, and sample rates
• Reduce and present test data and drive anomalies to root cause
• Own stand project schedules

Required qualifications

• 4-8 years of relevant test experience in propulsion, fluids, energetics, or industrial systems
• First-principles depth in fluids, thermo, and structures
• Experience creating P&IDs and building the system they describe
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic systems together
• Experience with high-pressure or hazardous environments
• Experience writing and operating test procedures
• Software skills in data reduction, control sequences, and scripting
• Strong writing
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or similar

Nice to have

• Designing cryogenic fluid systems from scratch
• Hands-on liquid rocket engine hotfire experience
• LOX and methane or LNG specifics: cleanliness, materials compatibility, ignition
• Control system work: PLCs, sequencing, interlocks, valve and actuator selection
• Fabrication literacy (welding, machining, tube bending)
• Structural, proof, burst, or environmental test experience alongside propulsion
• Python preferred

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Depar

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.