Propulsion Test Engineer III/IV

Company & Mission:

Agile Space Industries, Inc. (AGILE) designs, builds, and tests in-space propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. AGILE uses state of the art 3D metal alloy printing techniques to rapidly design, manufacture, and test new engine designs in our purpose-built propulsion test facility. With over a decade of experience testing rocket engines, and engineers who have worked at industry leaders like Blue Origin, SpaceX, NASA, and Aerojet Rocketdyne, AGILE is a rapidly growing company with many exciting Defense, Civil and Commercial programs.

AGILE is headquartered in Durango, CO with a facility in Mount Pleasant, PA and growing presence in Tulsa, OK.  The CEO, CFO and CCO are based around Boulder, CO.

Agile Space Industries is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer III/IV onsite in beautiful Durango, CO to support the development and testing of liquid-fueled rocket engines and propulsion subsystems. This role is hands-on, hardware-driven, and critical to the advancement of our in-house propulsion technology. The ideal candidate has direct experience with engine testing, data acquisition systems, and mechanical troubleshooting and thrives in a fast-paced, engineering-intensive environment.

This is not a software quality assurance or automated testing role—candidates with backgrounds in electrical engineering, mechanical, aerospace, or propulsion system testing will be prioritized.

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 and oversee the setup, instrumentation, and execution of hot-fire engine tests, including test stand configuration, pre-test checks, and data capture.
• Analyze test results using high-speed data acquisition systems (DAQ), pressure/temperature sensors, and other telemetry tools.
• Develop, refine, and enforce test procedures, operations protocols, and safety processes.
• Troubleshoot test anomalies in real-time and contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion engineers, safety personnel, and program managers to ensure testing aligns with technical and schedule objectives.
• Support integration and verification of test articles, fluid systems, and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior test engineers and technicians.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols—including use of PPE and SCBA as required for hazardous operations.
• Perform other test-related duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering with a focus on hardware, propulsion, or mechanical systems.
• Proven track record conducting physical testing (hot-fire, high-pressure systems, or similar environments).
• Expertise in test stand operations, instrumentation setup, and DAQ tools (e.g., National Instruments, LabVIEW, MATLAB, etc.). 
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work extended shifts, weekends, and non-standard hours as testing demands.
• Must be able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and operate safely in hazardous test environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hypergolic or cryogenic propulsion systems.
• Proficiency in test data reduction, visualization, and report generation.
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, control loops, or remote test execution tools.
• Prior experience leading test teams or managing test campaigns from planning to execution.
• Knowledge of pressure systems, propellant handling, and test facility infrastructure

Employment Type: Exempt

Salary: $115,000-$160,000

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Durango, CO

Remote: No

Close Date: Position will remain open for a minimum of 2 weeks from posting date.

What You'll Love About Us:

100% covered monthly premium plans paid by employer for Medical, Dental and Vision for you and your dependents.

Paid Holidays, Paid Flexible Time Off, Company Sponsored Life and AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Maternity/Parental/Adoption Leave.

The company will match 100% of the employee contribution up to 4% of the employee’s salary.

Employee referral program.

Company get-together and team outings and best of all, working with amazing humans!

Don’t meet every single requirement? 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 hr@agilespaceindustries.com.

The salary ranges provided in this job posting are indicative and may be adjusted for individual candidates commensurate with experience or technical capabilities.  In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

AGILE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

• Please note that if the position is covered by federal international trade regulations, it is a requirement of the position that the individual be eligible to obtain any required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.