Chief Engineer - Airbreathing Propulsion Test
Core
Lead the end-to-end expansion of a High Enthalpy Airbreathing Test (HEAT) facility for advanced airbreathing and hypersonic propulsion systems.
Role type
Senior IC Chief Engineer (Propulsion Test Infrastructure)
Builds
High-enthalpy propulsion test infrastructure and operational test capabilities
Domain
Defense aviation / Aerospace propulsion testing
Deliverable
infrastructure
Required skills
Propulsion test facility design, system integration, commissioning, mechanical/fluid systems, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition, safety systems, technical tradeoffs, stakeholder management
Preferred skills
Turbojet/turbofan/ramjet/scramjet expertise, high-enthalpy airflow, hypersonic ground-test environments, test readiness reviews, legacy infrastructure retrofitting
Technologies
Propulsion test systems, data acquisition systems, safety interlocks
Responsibilities
Define requirements and architecture for facility expansion; Integrate mechanical, fluid, airflow, fuel, exhaust, and instrumentation systems; Lead cross-functional teams and contractors; Execute commissioning and shakedown testing; Manage technical tradeoffs regarding schedule, cost, and risk; Partner with propulsion teams to support current and future test needs.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC