R&D Test Engineer - Turbojet Engines

Destinus is seeking a highly organised and technically strong R&D Test Engineer to join our propulsion team. This role is central to the planning, coordination, and oversight of the test campaigns that validate our next-generation propulsion systems, from early component characterisation through to full engine testing. The successful candidate will own the test campaign lifecycle - defining objectives, scheduling resources, managing risk, and ensuring traceable, high-quality results - while working closely with test cell operators and engineers to translate campaign requirements into safe, well-executed test runs. This position requires a strong foundation in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, excellent project and stakeholder management skills, and a commitment to rigorous safety and quality standards.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and manage end-to-end test campaigns for turbojet engines and associated components (e.g., combustors, intakes, nozzles), defining objectives, scope, success criteria, and acceptance requirements.
• Build and maintain detailed test campaign schedules, coordinating test cell availability, engine and article readiness, instrumentation needs, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Translate design and aerodynamics requirements into detailed test plans, procedures, and instrumentation matrices, ensuring full traceability between test objectives and results.
• Act as the main point of contact for a test campaign, coordinating design, aerodynamics, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams throughout preparation, execution, and close-out.
• Track campaign progress, risks, and open actions, proactively identifying schedule or technical risks and defining mitigation plans.
• Oversee data acquisition and post-test analysis, ensuring test results are processed, quality-checked, and consolidated into comprehensive technical reports with clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Define and prioritise post-processing and automation needs (using MATLAB, Python, etc.) to standardise data reduction, visualisation, and performance calculations across campaigns.
• Support the definition of calibration and quality control plans for critical sensors (thrust, flow, vibrations, temperature, and pressure).
• Contribute hands-on to test rig preparation and execution when needed - including test cell setup, instrumentation installation, and troubleshooting - to stay closely connected to test realities.
• Lead root cause analysis for engine and test rig issues, ensuring findings are captured and fed back into future campaign planning.
• Ensure all test operations adhere strictly to established safety protocols and regulatory guidelines, and drive continuous improvement of test planning processes and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in test engineering or test campaign planning for turbojet, turbofan, or ramjet engines, or comparable propulsion/mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine engine thermodynamics, performance cycles, and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, thrust, flow, and vibrations).
• Demonstrated project or campaign management skills, including scheduling, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Experience with data acquisition software (e.g., HBM catman, National Instruments LabVIEW) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Excel).
• Comfortable working hands-on in a test cell environment when required, in addition to planning and management responsibilities.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal).
• Familiarity with high-altitude flight testing considerations.
• Knowledge of European aerospace standards (e.g., EASA).

Who You Are

You’re not just a Testing Engineer-you’re a pioneer in aerospace innovation. You thrive in high-stakes environments, where precision, problem-solving, and technical mastery define your success. You’re passionate about breaking barriers in aerospace performance, and you don’t just execute tests-you engineer solutions that drive progress. If you’re eager to push the limits of technology, work with trailblazing experts, and play a key role in shaping the future of hypersonic flight, we want you on our team.