Associate, Rocket Test Engineer
Orange
Saturday, 25 April 2026
L3 Harris Technologies is seeking an Associate, Rocket Test Engineer at the Aerojet Rocketdyne Segment’s Orange, VA site. Our site is near Culpeper, VA, in beautiful, rural Orange County (1.5 hours from Washington, DC)! This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs. Propulsion / Rocket Test Engineerwork with customers, program managers and project engineers to define test objectives and identify and select test methods and instrumentation for propulsion systems / rocket motors and their components. They then create plans and procedures for safely conducting these tests, utilizing existing test facilities and equipment, and/or designing new tools or techniques. Test engineers tackle a variety of problems and use a wide range of engineering skills, from mechanical and aerospace to electrical and software. Types of tests include static rocket motor firings, case proof and burst pressure testing, case structural loads testing, direct-connect ramjet/scramjet testing, aeroheat material testing, dynamic/environmental testing, and high-altitude simulation (vacuum) testing. Essential Functions:Under general supervision:40% - Test Planning - Plan, devise and prepare test methods, instrumentation and tooling, applying extensive testing technical expertise. Interface with Design/ Project Engineering to develop/interpret test requirements. Work with Quality and Safety to ensure test methods meet customer and government requirements/regulations. Identify/specify facility configurations to meet test requirements. Design test fixtures or identify existing test tooling to interface with test articles .0% - Test Execution - Conduct, oversee and support test operations in accordance with safety and quality policy and procedures, maintaining overall technical control of test programs. May include physical/mechanical hardware setup, instrumentation calibration and setup, electrical/controls setup, test article prep, control software input preparation, etc. May include directing subcontractors in their execution of subcontracted test programs at off-site test facilities .0% - Documentation and Reviews - Prepare technical documentation, including test procedures, safety reviews and test readiness reviews .0% - Project Management - Manage cost and schedule for test programs. Coordinate cost and schedule planning/estimates. Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field or have completed their Bachelor's defree withint he last 12 months, regardless of age. Preferred Additional Skills: Active DoD clearance. Knowledge of fundamental engineering principles: statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics/dynamics, basic electrical theory, etc. Experience with engineering software, including 3 D Modeling/ CAD software (Creo, NX, etc.) and analytical software (Matlab, Python, etc.). Proficient use of MS - Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or equivalent for generating procedures, presentations, and analysis. Effective communication, both verbal and written. Strength in teaming and collaboration in a diverse work environment. Interpretation and compliance with Company policies and procedures, including Safety, Health & Environmental processes and procedures. Related work experience in an academic or industrial lab / test environment where physical measurements are made (pressure, temperature, thrust/load, acceleration, etc.). Related work experience with pneumatic and/or steam pressure systems (pipe/tubing fittings, valves, regulators, filters, and gauges). L3 Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3 Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3 Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.