Propulsion Engineer II - (Test)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 23, 2026. First seen by Alion on Feb 4, 2025. Specter Aerospace scores B on the Alion truth index.
Propulsion Engineer II - Test
Job Summary:
Specter Aerospace is seeking a Propulsion Engineer focused on testing of hypersonic propulsion systems. This position will include designing, building, and maintaining high-enthalpy test infrastructure, working with design and modeling engineers to efficiently collect engine test data, and conducting engine component design and manufacture for ground test articles. A successful candidate will have hands-on experience in propulsion, high pressure fluid systems, and data acquisition systems. They will have the opportunity to build novel hypersonic test infrastructure, conduct fundamental and applied research on supersonic combustion and plasma-assisted combustion, and contribute to the future of hypersonic flight vehicles.
About Specter Aerospace:
Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.
Role & Responsibilities:
- Be the Responsible Engineer of a hypersonic propulsion test cell, including designing and building subsystems, acquiring and maintaining sensors and controls, and safely designing and operating high-energy tests
- Design, build, upgrade, and maintain high pressure water systems, gas fuel control systems, liquid fuel control systems, and high pressure combustion devices
- Work with design and modeling engineers to develop efficient experiments to provide required engine performance data at minimal cost
- Complete data analysis and performance evaluation of airbreathing propulsion systems
- Conduct detailed design and analysis of scramjet and ramjet engine components as required
- Take part in technical meetings, engage in technical discussions, and contribute perspectives
- Other duties as assigned by the company
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- 2+ years of relevant full time experience OR Master’s degree in a relevant field and 1+ years of relevant experience
- Experience with high pressure fluid system design, build, and maintenance
- Strong understanding of compressible flow, combustion, and mechanical design
- Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments
- Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work
- Available for up to 10% travel for test activities
- Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
*All new employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Desired Skills:
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or similar field
- CAD Experience (Solidworks)
- Experience running PLC or Labview based test stand control and data acquisition systems
- Data analysis, error analysis, and sensor selection for fluid and mechanical sensors
- Previous Design of Experiments and data analysis experience
- Previous professional OR student team (FSAE, SEDS, AIAA, etc) project experience directly relevant to the requirements for this position
More About Specter Aero:
- https://specteraerospace.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/specteraerospace/mycompany/
- https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/specter-aerospace-reveals-plasma-ignited-hypersonic-missile
- https://www.kairosventures.com/specter-aerospace/