Instrumentation Engineer

Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and communicates effectively across disciplines. This role requires a strong foundation in electrical engineering and instrumentation and offers a unique opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact on next-generation aerospace systems.

If you are passionate about designing measurement systems for high-energy, one-of-a-kind hardware, you will join a highly experienced team whose background spans large aerospace companies, chemical plants, government organizations, and hands-on engineering environments—united by a culture of ownership, innovation, and technical excellence.

Own the design, analysis, development, integration, and maintenance of test department electrical and instrumentation systems used across a wide range of applications.

Play a critical role on a multidisciplinary team responsible for defining how complex aerospace hardware is instrumented, measured, and validated.

Select, integrate, and validate sensors for low-speed and high-speed data acquisition systems

Perform signal conditioning, including excitation, amplification, filtering, isolation, and scaling of raw sensor outputs

Verify correct sensor operation through power checks, continuity, polarity, and calibration

Design and fabricate wiring harnesses and instrumentation interfaces

Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems

Develop robust test setups for large- and small-scale hardware

Generate and revise electrical and instrumentation schematics for test stands

Modify existing structures to meet testing requirements

Generate test procedures for new systems and calibration of existing systems

Review test data to identify issues, anomalies, and trends

Support grounding, shielding, and EMI mitigation efforts

Install, wire, and troubleshoot test instrumentation systems

Communicate with the Software team to support automated testing and analysis

Support commissioning and maintenance of test infrastructure and equipment

Perform additional tasks as needed to support test and development operations

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on test experience (In absence of a degree, 7+ years of relevant experience)

3+ years of experience in instrumentation, controls, or test engineering

Hands-on experience with signal conditioning and data acquisition systems

Strong understanding of the following: Measurement uncertainty and sampling theory; Filtering, noise, grounding, and EMI; Sensor selection and integration

Solid understanding of sensor signal types and wiring, including: Voltage, mV, differential voltage, and 4–20 mA outputs; Bridge-based sensors; IEPE / charge accelerometers; Digital I/O and low/high-side switching; Thermocouples and RTDs; Pulse and frequency signals

Practical experience installing and troubleshooting: Pressure and differential pressure transducers; Thermocouples and RTDs; High-speed accelerometers; Load cells and strain-gauge sensors; Flowmeters; Mechanical limit switches; Solenoid valves; Power supplies; NI PXI, cDAQ, and cRIO systems; VFDs

Tools & Equipment Experience: Power supplies; Digital multimeters and signal generators; Oscilloscopes; Crimp tools and precision cutting tools; Soldering and rework equipment; Heat guns and strain relief tools; Torque tools for sensor installation; Labeling and harness management tools

Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment

Excellent organizational skills, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the demonstrated capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams

Willingness and ability to work outdoors in support of testing and fabrication activities; safely lift and transport up to 40 pounds; and adapt to evolving test, development, and operational requirements

Experience in aerospace, propulsion testing, or flight test

Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, DIAdem

Familiarity with Confluence, Jira, and Microsoft Office Suite

Experience with high-speed or transient data acquisition

Experience operating in cryogenic or high-temperature environments

Background supporting hazardous test operations

Strong cross-functional communication during live test operations

3+ years of experience with CAD modeling software

3+ years of experience in hardware testing environments

3+ years of experience with fluid and/or mechanical system design

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