
Test Engineer
Argo Space • Los Angeles, California, United States
**Role & seniority: ** Test Engineer (All Levels); Senior Engineer track requires ~2+ years propulsion testing (or 5+ years for broader propulsion/electro-mechanical/thermo-fluidic harsh-environment experience).
**Stack/tools: **
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Test infrastructure: propulsion test stands, vacuum facilities, fluid control systems
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Instrumentation/DAQ: DAQ hardware, pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, control software
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Data & analysis: test data management, data analysis products/pipelines
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Preferred tools: P&ID/design + CAD + analysis (e.g., Siemens NX, ANSYS)
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Programming (preferred): Python, MATLAB
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Top 3 responsibilities:
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Design/build/operate liquid/electric propulsion test stands, vacuum facilities, DAQ, and fluid control systems.
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Conduct hot-fire and integration testing; troubleshoot and validate propulsion/feed/thermal subsystems.
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Author test procedures/safety protocols; analyze results; support TRRs/FRRs and post-test/flight readiness reviews.
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Must-have skills:
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Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and test operations
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Spacecraft propulsion systems knowledge
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Hands-on DAQ/sensor instrumentation experience and control software familiarity
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Test data handling and analysis competency
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Clear written/verbal communication; ability to adapt under changing direction
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Nice-to-haves:
- Led full test campaigns; operated/troubleshot vacuum tes
Full Description
Test Engineer (All Levels)
As a Test Engineer at Argo, you will work with a team of exceptional engineers to support the end-to-end development of water-based propulsion systems and the electronics that measure and control them for our family of reusable, in-space transport vehicles. The work will include the testing and integration of both chemical and electric propulsion systems, RCS thrusters, propellant management and feed systems, and thermal management systems. As an employee at Argo, you will have an influential role in designing our vehicle’s propulsion architecture and enabling high efficiency transport of payloads throughout cislunar space. Engineers at Argo have a large amount of responsibility placed on them and take on a wide range of projects.
Responsibilities Design, build, and operate liquid and/or electric propulsion test stands, vacuum facilities, data acquisition system, and fluid control systems Hands-on prototyping, hot-fire testing, troubleshooting, and integration of spacecraft hardware and feed systems Qualify propulsion hardware to ensure survival and performance across expected mission and thermal-vacuum environments Draft and implement test procedures, safety protocols, and data analysis pipelines consistent with mission risk posture, and own the outcome of test campaigns Provide technical input to system and component designs and analysis Lead and contribute to Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), post-test reviews, and Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) with a heavy emphasis on technical excellence
Qualifications Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline Comprehensive understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and test operations Understanding of and experience in spacecraft propulsion systems Experience with DAQ (Data Acquisition) hardware, sensor instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters), and control software Experience managing test data and generating data analysis products Capable of maintaining flexibility in direction under changing circumstances Excellent written and verbal communication skills Track record of delivering novel, excellent technical results
Senior Engineer 2+ years of experience designing or testing spacecraft propulsion systems 5+ years of experience designing and testing propulsion systems, electro-mechanical, and/or thermo-fluidic systems that operate in harsh environments
Preferred Qualifications Conducted full test campaigns of spacecraft propulsion systems Experience with operation and troubleshooting of vacuum test facilities Experience with fluid/P&ID design software, CAD, and structural/thermal analysis tools (e.g., Siemens NX, ANSYS) Experience with a high-level programing language (e.g. python, matlab) Hands-on experience with pressurized fluid systems, propellant handling, or water electrochemistry Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, rewarding work environment.