Engineering Manager of the Propulsion Test Stands & Ground Systems Engineering (PTSG)

Company & Mission:

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 Engineering Manager to lead our Propulsion Test Stands & Ground Systems Engineering (PTSGSE) team in Durango, CO. This group designs, develops, and sustains the full suite of test stand hardware, ground support equipment, and facility infrastructure that powers Agile’s hypergolic propulsion test capability. 

In addition to managing engineering design efforts, this role will interface closely with Test Operations and will occasionally support hands-on Test Ops activities. This includes assisting with stand commissioning, filling temporary staffing gaps during critical campaigns, and gaining firsthand operational insight to ensure future designs are safer, more maintainable, and higher performing.  

Responsibilities: 

 

Team & Technical Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Test Stand Design Engineers and Ground Systems Engineers 

• Provide technical direction for design, analysis, and fabrication of: 

• Test stand mechanical systems 

• Ground support equipment (GSE) 

• Propellant feed systems 

• Altitude simulation systems 

• Facility expansions and new test infrastructure 

• Implementing new technologies on existing infrastructure  

• Ensure engineering deliverables are safe, compliant, highly reliable, and aligned with Test Operations requirements 

• Ensure engineering solutions reflect real operational experience gained through periodic participation in Test Ops activities 

 

Project Execution 

• Own end-to-end project scoping, requirements definition, preliminary/critical design reviews, and execution oversight 

• Ensure projects support multi-site operations (Animas, Sunshine, Tulsa site) and future facilities 

• Manage resource planning, team workload, schedules, and risk mitigation 

• Coordinate fabrication, installation, and validation activities with Test Operations, Facilities, and Programs 

 

Cross-Functional Integration 

• Serve as the engineering interface to Test Operations, Facilities, Programs, Quality, and Safety 

• Translate program test requirements into engineered solutions and test stand capabilities 

• Support long-range infrastructure planning, including power upgrades, propellant systems, and high-rate throughput initiatives 

• Serve as the primary engineering interface to Test Operations, ensuring designs incorporate operator feedback, safety requirements, and maintainability 

• Support Test Ops during: 

• Stand commissioning 

• Critical high-tempo test campaigns 

• Temporary staffing shortages 

• Training and knowledge exchange (engineers learning stand operations firsthand) 

• Translate operational lessons learned into improved engineering standards and design features 

• Provide occasional direct support in test operations; non-routine and as needed; to mitigate staffing gaps or accelerate commissioning schedules 

• Participate in propellant system checkout, instrumentation bring-up, and first-article system validation 

• Gain operational familiarity with stand procedures, enabling more intuitive, test-oriented design decisions 

• Ensure engineering changes are grounded in practical test operations realities 

 

Systems Engineering & Standards 

• Establish and maintain engineering standards for test stand design, documentation, and configuration management 

• Implement continuous improvement across system reliability, test throughput, operability, and maintainability 

• Ensure designs meet applicable pressure systems, electrical, structural, and environmental regulations 

 

Strategic Impact 

• Drive the roadmap for Agile’s test infrastructure modernization 

• Contribute to capital planning  

• Support proposals and customer engagements with technical input on test stand capabilities 

 

Required Qualifications 

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field 

• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience, including hardware development 

• Prior experience designing mechanical/propulsion test systems or ground support equipment 

• 3+ years leading engineering teams or major projects 

• Strong understanding of pressure systems, structural design, fluids, and instrumentation 

• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex hardware systems from concept to operation 

• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with hypergolic propellant systems (MMH, MON-3, NTO, HPH) 

• Experience with altitude simulation (diffusers, ejectors, pumping systems) 

• Familiarity with test operations environments and hazard analysis 

• Experience in fast-paced aerospace development environments (startup or government test sites) 

 

Physical Requirements: 

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 

Employment Type: Exempt 

The expected salary range for this role is $122,900-$186,700 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 

This position will remain open for at least two weeks from the posting date and will continue to accept applications until it is filled. 

  

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 hr@agilespaceindustries.com. 

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business 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. 

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. 

 

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.