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Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, is seeking a Manufacturing Test Engineer to develop, build, and execute test campaigns that qualify mission-critical air vehicle propulsion systems and micro-turbojets for production. You will own the full lifecycle of engine testing, from physical test rack design and fabrication to software development and live hot-fire operations.
In this role, you will serve as Test Director during engine and micro-turbojet hot-fire runs, managing test stand operations, console communication, go/no-go criteria, and emergency abort procedures. You will design and build propulsion test hardware infrastructure, including instrumented test racks, sensor harnesses, engine test stands, and thrust measurement fixtures. You will author comprehensive propulsion test plans, run procedures, redline limits, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with development engineers.
You will develop robust, automated test and data acquisition software in Python running on Linux/Unix systems to control engine profiles and record telemetry. You will implement and debug CAN bus communications to interface with Engine Control Units (ECUs), smart actuators, fuel pumps, and test stand controllers. You will integrate and calibrate propulsion test instrumentation, including load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouples/RTDs, mass flow meters, and vibration sensors.
Additional responsibilities include configuring and troubleshooting Linux/Unix test systems using terminal command-line tools, SSH, and network debugging utilities; performing rapid root-cause analysis on unexpected engine behaviors or instrumentation anomalies; analyzing post-test telemetry and generating detailed test summary reports; and maintaining and scaling propulsion test cell facilities to improve turnaround time and safety.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in propulsion testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, or engine test cell operations
- Direct, hands-on experience with micro-turbojet engine testing (mandatory)
- Proven experience serving as a Test Director, console operator, or lead test engineer during live engine runs or hazardous hot-fire operations
- Demonstrated experience designing, building, and wiring test racks, instrumentation boxes, and benchtop DAQ systems
- Proficiency writing automated test, control, and data acquisition software in Python within a Linux/Unix environment
- Strong Linux/Unix systems knowledge, including terminal command-line proficiency, SSH, and network configuration/debugging
- Hands-on experience with CAN bus hardware interfaces and messaging protocols for control and data logging
- Experience selecting, wiring, and calibrating sensors: pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and flow meters
- Demonstrated experience managing control room operations, coordinating complex test schedules, and maintaining accurate inventory tracking systems
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Broader turbine, rocket, or internal combustion engine test experience
- Experience with fluid systems, high-pressure plumbing, fuel delivery lines, valves, and regulators (e.g., Swagelok)
- Familiarity with CAD tools (such as Siemens NX or SolidWorks) for engine test stand and mounting fixture design
- Experience with high-speed data acquisition platforms (e.g., National Instruments cDAQ/cRIO) and hardware-level signal conditioning
- Familiarity with AS9100 or aerospace quality standards as applied to flight hardware testing and validation
- Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance
