Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

About the role

Imagine this you are standing at the heart of propulsion development where theory meets fire and every test pushes the boundaries of performance and safety. The Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead the safe planning, execution, and continuous improvement of solid rocket motor and igniter testing. This role is strongly hands-on and centered on test readiness, procedural rigor, and operational safety, ensuring reliable, repeatable, and compliant testing of energetic propulsion systems. We´re looking for someone who has experience owning test campaigns end-to-end in high-energy, hazardous test environments, with a strong mindset for risk identification, hazard mitigation, and disciplined execution.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of solid rocket motor and igniter test campaigns
• Define and author test plans and test procedures for SRM and igniter testing, ensuring clarity, repeatability, and traceability of objectives and results.
• Lead test readiness reviews (TRR) and pre-test briefings, confirming technical, operational, and safety readiness prior to ignition.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety concepts, hazard analyses, contingency plans, and emergency procedures specific to energetic systems, propellants, ignition devices, and pressurized hardware.
• Act as test conductor during live firings, coordinating personnel, enforcing safety zones, making technical decisions to ensure test objectives are achieved, and responding to off-nominal or abort conditions
• Ensure strict compliance with internal safety standards and applicable regulations related to explosives, energetic materials, and high-temperature exhaust environments.
• Support the definition and validation of instrumentation and data acquisition requirements to ensure test objectives are met.
• Oversee test setup integration, inspection, dry runs, and functional verifications of motors, igniters, firing circuits, and safety interlocks.
• Lead or support test anomaly, misfire, or incident investigations, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Produce high-quality test documentation, including test plans, risk assessments, test reports, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure alignment between test objectives, design maturity, and operational constraints.
• Support the development and improvement of test infrastructure, firing stands, remote operations, and safety systems for solid rocket motor testing.

What You’ll Need

• BSc. or MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience in propulsion or high-energy system testing, with strong exposure to test operations and execution.
• Experience in solid rocket motor and/or igniter development and testing is a strong plus, including static firing tests or ignition system validation.
• Demonstrated experience in test planning, procedural definition, and hands-on test execution.
• Strong background in test safety, including hazard identification, risk assessments, explosive safety, and emergency response planning.
• Experience working with energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnic devices, or high-pressure systems is highly required.
• Familiarity with propulsion test instrumentation and data acquisition systems (pressure transducers, thermocouples, thrust measurement, ignition circuits).
• Ability to operate calmly and decisively during time-critical ignition and firing operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to lead test activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary development team.
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.

Who You Are

You thrive where precision, discipline, and controlled intensity define the day. High energy test environments do not intimidate you they sharpen your focus. You understand that propulsion testing is not just about ignition and data collection, it is about preparation, risk ownership, and flawless execution.

Why Join Us?

✨ The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
✨ Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
✨ Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
✨ Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

🚀 Destinus – Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.