Senior Test Operator

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: Senior Test Operator

As a Senior Test Operator, you will be at the center of propulsion and systems testing, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and drive continuous improvements in test execution.

Coordinate and execute test campaigns, including propulsion hot fires, structural, vibration, thermal testing, and more

Operate and monitor test stand systems, propulsion hardware, and instrumentation

Lead the execution of test procedures, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and safety standards

Author, review, and refine detailed test procedures and analyze test data for accuracy and performance

Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot instrumentation issues and improve reliability

Support setup, upgrades, maintenance, and breakdown of test stands to ensure readiness for future campaigns

Act as the key liaison between test, propulsion, manufacturing, and technician teams to ensure smooth test stand operations

Mentor the operations team in key technical and operational areas, including fluid flow, data acquisition, procedural development, safety practices, and operational excellence

Document processes and collaborate with the team to enhance and standardize Test Operator Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with a focus on improving training and onboarding for new operators

Lead and execute specialized projects independently, ensuring progress without impacting team capacity or delaying ongoing operational activities

At least 5 years of experience in a hardware testing environment

Hands-on knowledge of test components: valves, pneumatic actuators/solenoids, limit switches, relief valves, pressure transducers, thermocouples, pressure vessels, GUIs/HMIs, and data acquisition systems

Strong problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent software

Clear communication skills, including over comms devices while operating consoles (computer workstation)

Ability to thrive both as part of a collaborative team and as a self-driven individual

Comfortable working outdoors as needed; able to lift up to 25 lbs; capable of extended desk/computer work

Experience with mechanical and fluid system design

Experience with electrical and mechanical fabrication

Experience with pressurized gases and liquids up to 6000psia

Experience with NI hardware (PXIe, cRIO, cDAQ)

Experience designing and commissioning new test facilities

Experience with GIT repositories and/or JSON file types

Experience in an aerospace test environment

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