> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1054939-senior-propulsion-development-engineer-test-stand](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1054939-senior-propulsion-development-engineer-test-stand). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, Test Stand - **Company:** True Anomaly - **Location:** Denver, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $135,000.0 - $190,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** 3d Models, Configuration Management, System Configuration, SolidWorks (CAD), Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Build Management - **Published:** June 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7dc9c3086bdfe2b2 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Technical writing within technology?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree in engineering?, * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering. * 8+ years of professional experience in the design and build of propulsion ground systems, test facility hardware, or high-pressure fluid systems for aerospace or defense applications. * Demonstrated hands-on experience designing fluid systems for hypergolic, toxic, or highly reactive propellants, including material compatibility, secondary containment, and emergency safing provisions. * Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and production of fully detailed engineering drawings for fabrication. * Experience developing P&IDs for propulsion or chemical process systems and working with pressure system design codes (ASME B31.3 or equivalent). * Solid understanding of pressure system safety requirements including proof, burst, and leak test margins, and relief device sizing. * Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation and interface with safety and regulatory stakeholders. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Direct experience designing and building hypergolic propellant test stands or ground fluid systems for spacecraft or launch vehicle programs. * Familiarity with Hydrazine, NTO, MMH, UDMH, or red fuming nitric acid (RFNA) handling systems and the associated material, cleaning, and personal protective equipment requirements. * Experience coordinating with AHJs, fire marshals, or environmental regulators on permitting for hazardous chemical storage or operations. * Background in structural analysis or FEA for test stand structures and pressure vessels. * Familiarity with instrumentation and control system interfaces for propulsion test: pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples, automated valve control, and emergency shutdown systems. * Experience with cleaning, passivation, and cleanliness verification for hypergolic-compatible fluid systems. * Familiarity with Colorado Front Range permitting, zoning, or environmental requirements for toxic propellant storage and operations. * Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or ability to obtain one. ## Description Hypergolic System Design * Lead the detailed mechanical design of hypergolic propellant feed systems, including propellant storage vessels, transfer lines, fill and drain assemblies, valve configurations, and pressurization circuits for a new test stand. * Select fluid system components and assemblies compatible with hypergolic propellants (NTO, MMH, UDMH, or similar), including sizing, material selection, seal compatibility, leak containment, and pressure ratings. * Develop and own P&IDs for hypergolic propellant and pressurant systems; ensure designs incorporate appropriate redundancy, isolation, and emergency safing capabilities. * Design propellant offload, storage, and transfer infrastructure including secondary containment, vent and drain routing, and neutralization provisions. * Integrate hypergolic system designs with fire suppression, facility exhaust and scrubbing systems, personnel protection provisions, and facility control interfaces. * Apply and enforce applicable design standards and material compatibility requirements throughout all hypergolic system designs. Test Stand Structural & Mechanical Design * Design the primary test stand structure including thrust measurement systems, engine/thruster mount interfaces, and load paths for anticipated thrust levels and dynamic loads. * Detail mechanical designs for run tank assemblies, GSE carts, propellant conditioning systems, and ancillary facility hardware. * Produce fully detailed CAD models and engineering drawings suitable for fabrication, procurement, and third-party review. * Conduct or coordinate structural and pressure system analyses including FEA, pressure budget calculations, and proof and burst margin verification. * Design for maintainability, access, and operational safety - ensuring that technicians can safely configure, operate, and service all systems. Fabrication, Procurement & Build * Develop fabrication packages including drawings, material specifications, weld and joining requirements, and acceptance criteria for test stand hardware. * Identify and qualify vendors for fabricated components, pressure vessels, specialty valves, instrumentation, and other long-lead hardware; provide technical oversight throughout procurement. * Support and oversee the fabrication, assembly, and installation of designed systems; resolve fabrication anomalies and nonconformances. * Define and execute acceptance test requirements for delivered hardware, including proof pressure testing, leak checks, and functional verification. * Develop GSE and tooling needed to safely handle, install, and service hypergolic system components. Safety & Compliance * Serve as the design authority for hypergolic system safety features; ensure all designs comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and DoD standards for toxic and reactive propellant handling. * Contribute to facility hazard analyses (PHA, FMEA) and support development of operating procedures from a design perspective, ensuring procedures accurately reflect as-built system configuration. * Coordinate with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), fire marshal, and environmental regulators on facility design reviews and permitting requirements related to hypergolic propellant storage and operations. * Establish and document material compatibility requirements and cleaning and passivation standards for all wetted components. Operational Test Support * Lead the mechanical commissioning of hypergolic facility systems, including system cleanliness verification, pressure testing, leak checks, and functional checkouts. * Maintain as-built documentation throughout facility construction and commissioning; ensure configuration control of all facility systems. * Provide ongoing design support during early test operations, including hardware modifications and continuous improvement initiatives. ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Answering the Million Dollar Question: Why did I Break Production?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1171-answering-the-million-dollar-question-why-did-i-break-production) - [XR Demystified: Separating Facts from Fiction in 2024](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1117-xr-demystified-separating-facts-from-fiction-in-2024) - [TresJS a new declarative ThreeJS as Vue components](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/543-tresjs-a-new-declarative-threejs-as-vue-components) - [From Zero to Mobile Developer in 45 Minutes With SwiftUI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/183-from-zero-to-mobile-developer-in-45-minutes-with-swiftui) - [Google Gemma and Open Source AI Models - Clement Farabet](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1354-google-gemma-and-open-source-ai-models-clement-farabet) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026) - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data) - [A call for Guest Writers for the WeAreDevelopers Magazine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/648-a-call-for-guest-writers-for-the-wearedevelopers-magazine)