Propulsion Test Engineer IV/V

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team.

Agile Space Industries is seeking an experienced Propulsion Test Engineer IV/V onsite in Durango, CO to lead the development, planning, and execution of propulsion test campaigns for liquid-fueled rocket engines and propulsion subsystems. This role is highly hands-on while also requiring strong technical leadership across test operations, facility infrastructure, and program execution.

The Test Engineer IV/V serves as a senior technical leader within the test organization, responsible for defining test strategies, leading complex test campaigns, and ensuring safe and efficient operation of propulsion test infrastructure. This role requires deep experience with propulsion testing, fluid systems, instrumentation, and ground support equipment.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments where engineering judgment, technical leadership, and hands-on problem solving are required to successfully execute propulsion development programs.

This position is ideal for experienced engineers who are comfortable in physically demanding conditions and thrive working outdoors year-round—whether it's actively snowing, raining, or over 100°F.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of complex propulsion test campaigns including development testing, qualification testing, and customer test programs.
• Serve as the responsible engineer for propulsion test campaigns, coordinating test operations, safety, instrumentation, and program teams.
• Define test strategies, test objectives, and verification approaches for propulsion hardware development.
• Lead configuration of test stands, fluid systems, and instrumentation required to support test campaigns.
• Direct real-time test operations including anomaly resolution, troubleshooting, and operational decision-making.
• Perform detailed analysis of propulsion test data and provide recommendations to propulsion design teams.
• Develop and maintain advanced test procedures, facility operating procedures, and safety protocols.
• Support design and upgrade of propulsion test infrastructure including propellant systems, pressurization systems, and ground support equipment.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior test engineers and technicians.
• Interface with internal program teams and external customers regarding test plans, test execution, and test results.
• Drive continuous improvement of test operations, facility capability, and test efficiency.
• Support failure investigations and root cause analysis following anomalous test events.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols including operation in hazardous environments requiring PPE and SCBA.
• Perform other test-related duties as assigned by management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion or hardware testing.
• Demonstrated experience leading propulsion test campaigns or major hardware test programs.
• Strong knowledge of propulsion test stand architecture including fluid systems, instrumentation, and safety systems.
• Experience with test data acquisition systems and analysis tools (NI, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, etc.).
• Strong troubleshooting skills for high-pressure fluid systems and propulsion hardware.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills when coordinating cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to work extended shifts

Level Definitions

Test Engineer IV

• Senior test engineer responsible for leading propulsion test campaigns and mentoring junior engineers.
• Typically 7+ years of relevant propulsion or hardware test experience.

The expected salary range for this role is $117,000-$176,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end

Test Engineer V

• Principal-level test engineer serving as a technical authority for propulsion test operations and infrastructure.
• Typically 10+ years of propulsion testing or complex hardware test leadership experience.

The expected salary range for this role is $142,000-$212,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Durango, CO

Employment Type: Exempt

Onsite #LI-Onsite 

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period.

What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, region, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [email protected].

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered