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Propulsion and Energetics Test Engineer II Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Propulsion · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Inversion Space

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology. The company's highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and national security missions. Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling rapid concept-to-flight timelines.

The Role

Ground test is how Inversion builds confidence in new reentry systems before flight. As a Propulsion and Energetics Test Engineer II, you will lead and support critical test campaigns that shape vehicle design, validate models, and retire technical risk. This role focuses on propulsion and thermal protection system test stand fabrication and maintenance, post-test data processing, and ground test activities for reentry vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, design, build, integrate, and operate propulsion, fluids, and thermal protection system torch test stands with a high degree of safety, autonomy, accountability, and responsibility.
  • Support additional propulsion and energetics test activities including subsystem, component, and integrated hardware testing.
  • Develop and document test instrumentation, measurement equipment, methods, and processes.
  • Coordinate with design engineers and technicians on test planning, operations, and analysis.
  • Conduct test readiness reviews.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Typically 2+ years of applicable hands-on experience testing hardware systems.
  • Understanding of fluid components and instrumentation including valves, regulators, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, force sensors.
  • Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and post-test data processing.
  • Experience writing test procedures, reports, and technical documentation.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Capable of operating safely and effectively in fast-paced test environments.
  • Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
  • Position will require working with flammables and explosives.
  • Position may require extended work hours and weekend work.
  • Position may require standing, bending, and working directly with hardware on the floor for extended periods.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, FlexLogger, and other test software and tools for data processing and analysis.
  • Experience with electrical design and troubleshooting.
  • Capable of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and creatively problem solving to get projects over the finish line.
  • Experience with aerospace qualification or development testing for flight hardware.

Location and Compensation

This position requires in-office presence at Inversion's headquarters in Playa Vista, California. The California annual base salary for this role is $106,000 to $150,000. Individual pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on interviews, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.