Propulsion Testing Manager

Parque Industrial de Elche (Poligono Industrial), Spain

About PLD:

Founded in 2011, PLD Space is a high-tech engineering, manufacturing and service-driven company, with deep track record and expertise in space launch technologies. 

We are a trusted global championing industry leader disrupting the pathway to space access. We are on a mission to reach new hights by making space more accesible, supporting missions that will make us smarter, safer and wealthier. 

Our purpose is to propel new futures, to enable progress from space and enrich peoples’ lives on Earth, by moving new economies, people and world forward. 

Mission

As a Propulsion Testing Manager at PLD Space, your mission is to lead and manage the testing activities for liquid propulsion systems, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our rocket engines and associated components. You will play a critical role in planning, executing, and analyzing test campaigns to validate the performance and integrity of our propulsion systems. 

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the propulsion testing team, providing technical guidance, direction, and support in conducting liquid propulsion system tests. 
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define test objectives, requirements, and test plans for liquid propulsion systems, including engines, turbopumps, valves, and associated subsystems. 
• Manage the development and implementation of test procedures, ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulations, and industry best practices. 
• Oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of test facilities, including test stands, instrumentation systems, and data acquisition systems. 
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to mitigate potential hazards during testing operations. 
• Analyse and interpret test data to evaluate the performance, reliability, and stability of liquid propulsion systems, identifying anomalies and proposing corrective actions. 
• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure the proper configuration and readiness of propulsion system test articles. 
• Coordinate with external suppliers and vendors to procure necessary testing equipment, services, and facilities. 
• Maintain testing documentation and records, including test plans, reports, and data analysis, ensuring accuracy and traceability. 
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in testing methodologies, instrumentation technologies, and regulatory requirements, applying them to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of testing activities. 
• Generate documentation, including user guides, guidelines and user manuals for internal customers use. 
• Provide mentorship, and support to ensure high-quality deliverables. 
• Generate documentation for formal program development reviews. 
• Provide high-level and low-level feedback for MIURA 5 program development planning. 
  
  

Necessary Requirements

• Aerospace Engineering bachelor’s degree or demonstrable relevant experience in lieu thereof. Advanced degree preferred. 
• > 10 years of relevant technical experience. 
• Strong understanding of liquid propulsion system testing principles, methodologies, and best practices. 
• Knowledge of test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and measurement techniques for propulsion system testing. 
• Familiarity with test facility design, setup, and operation, including safety protocols and equipment calibration. 
• Understanding of safety regulations, standards, and hazard analysis techniques specific to liquid propulsion testing. 
• Proficiency in using engineering software tools for data analysis and interpretation. 

Desired Competencies

• Experience in liquid propulsion system testing for launch vehicles. 
• Familiarity with test automation, control systems, and real-time data acquisition techniques. 
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and tools for test data processing and interpretation. 
• Understanding of environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum testing, cryogenic testing and vibration testing. 
• Experience with test article design, preparation, and instrumentation for propulsion system testing. 
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and certification processes for propulsion system testing. 
• Previous experience in a managerial or leadership role.

Benefits

Health & Wellness: We want you to be happy and healthy in body and mind.  We encourage you to have regular physiotherapy sessions at our facilities so that you can continue with your physical activities. We offer partial coverage of your medical scheme covering you, your spouse or partner, and your children. 

 

Boost your creativity: Focus. Energy. Yummy snacks and those fizzy waters you love. It takes a lot to be creative all day, but we’ve got you covered. Eat local, sustainable, delectable fare at our cafes, and plunder our pantries for fresh fruit and other goodies whenever you need a boost. 

 

Engineering by doing: We encourage hands-on learning and foster internal mobility and team collaboration, with one-third of positions filled by current employees and one in five people promoted each year. 

 

Find balance: PLD Space offers 23 days of annual leave, 6 global wellbeing days, and public holidays. We prioritize worklife balance with flexible schedules, empowering teams to manage their own hours. We work hard here, so we encourage taking breaks to recharge, ensuring a healthy work environment. 

 

Never stop learning: At PLD Space, education and professional development is a priority. We offer extensive learning opportunities, from conferences and webinars to higher education programs and technical certifications. We encourage hands-on learning and foster internal mobility and team collaboration, with one-third of positions filled by current employees and one in five people promoted each year. 

Focus on your financial future: Flexible remuneration plan lets you allocate part of your salary to everyday expenses like lunch, nursery school or public transport, which are exempt from Personal Income Tax (IRPF) when paid through this system. 

Values

We have four critical beliefs that guide the way PLD Space is shaping the future of space launch technologies. 

• Teamwork. 
• Hard work. 
• Dynamism. 
• Commitment. 
• Keep it simple. 

Become part of our movement, enabling you to make change happen in your career and, above all, your life.