Propulsion Test Engineer

About the role

You will own the end-to-end safety and execution of propulsion test campaigns from initial risk assessment to final report delivery. You will prepare and execute tests at the engine and component level to rigorously evaluate hardware performance under demanding conditions. Your work will involve developing detailed test plans, objectives, and schedules that align with strict requirements and timelines while leading daily test operations and authoring comprehensive test reports. You will autonomously lead risk assessment analyses and define robust mitigation actions to safeguard personnel, hardware, and test infrastructure during every campaign. You will work hand in hand with development engineers, test bench specialists, AIT teams, and external partners to coordinate all test operations across internal and external facilities. You will support rapid test data processing in collaboration with component development engineers to guide the remainder of the test campaign and shape future test plans. You will define, develop, and continuously update test procedures and guidelines to drive improvements in test operations efficiency and reliability. You will prepare high-level technical documentation, including detailed procedures, test reports, design reviews, and in-depth performance analyses to support decision-making.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Prepare and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance.
• Develop test plans, test objectives and schedules consistent with requirements and timelines; lead daily test operations and generate test reports.
• Autonomously lead risk assessment analyses and define mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety during all test campaigns.
• Interpret P&IDs and generate test sequences, balancing the risk, needs of the test and the limits of the test bench and test article.
• Work hand in hand with development engineers, test bench team, AIT team and external partners to support all test operations on internal and external test facilities.
• Support rapid test data processing with component development engineers to guide the remainder of the test campaign and plan future test campaigns.
• Define, develop and update test procedures and guidelines to improve test operations.
• Prepare technical documentation, including detailed procedures, test reports, design reviews, and performance analyses.
• Ensure all test activities strictly adhere to predefined safety protocols and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Drive the execution of test campaigns from initial setup through final delivery, maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaborate with propulsion system designers to translate requirements into executable test methodologies.
• Implement data acquisition systems and measurement strategies to capture critical performance metrics during tests.
• Analyze preliminary test results to identify anomalies and recommend corrective actions in coordination with engineering teams.
• Contribute to the development of test infrastructure improvements to increase capability and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field with master's and above strongly preferred.
• Bring 3-5 years of direct experience in propulsion testing or closely related fields with a proven track record of accomplishment.
• Demonstrate deep proficiency in propulsion chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics as they apply to real-world test programs.
• Show hands-on experience with engine testing or equivalent complex hardware evaluation activities.
• Possess a background in cryogenic propulsion systems which will be a significant advantage for this role.
• Exhibit experience with commonly used simulation and analysis tools in propulsion testing such as CEA.
• Show proficiency in the Python programming language to support test automation and data analysis tasks.
• Have familiarity with CAD Software such as Siemens NX or CATIA and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing practices.
• Display strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to address complex technical challenges under pressure.
• Communicate effectively and lead cross-functional discussions to align on test objectives and outcomes.
• Convey complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences including engineers, managers, and partners.
• Understand and comply with all relevant safety regulations, quality standards, and test facility rules.
• Commit to maintaining detailed records and meticulous documentation throughout all phases of testing.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where adaptability, ownership, and continuous learning are essential.

Nice to have

• Exposure to industry-standard propulsion test facilities and associated measurement instrumentation.
• Experience with test automation frameworks and data processing pipelines.
• Familiarity with version control systems for test procedure and report documentation.
• Knowledge of advanced data analysis techniques or statistical methods for test evaluation.

Practical notes

Candidates must be nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, Australia, New Zealand. This role is based in Bordeaux, France, and full-time engagement is required. Relocation assistance is available and includes visa sponsorship where applicable depending on individual circumstances and role requirements. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be conducted by Zinc Work Limited in accordance with the country, role, and project specifics. If an offer is extended, you will receive an email from Zinc with a secure portal link to provide the required information.