Propulsion Test Facility Manager

The Manager, Propulsion Test Facility provides technical and operational leadership for a test facility supporting product qualification, research and development, validation, and customer test programs. This role is responsible for planning, executing, and continuously improving complex test programs while providing day-to-day management of the facility, test team, priorities, and resources to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. The facility supports a broad range of mechanical, fluid, and thermal testing, with its primary focus being the safe operation and testing of cryogenic systems utilizing liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid methane (LCH4), and other hazardous fluids. The Manager develops test procedures, leads test execution, and drives technical problem solving across diverse test programs.

The Manager, Propulsion Test Facility leads the Operations Engineer, Test Engineer, and test technicians, providing technical leadership, mentoring, and day-to-day direction to ensure successful test execution and continuous improvement of facility operations. This role collaborates with the R&D engineering office, manufacturing, quality, and customers to maintain facility readiness, improve test capabilities, uphold the highest safety standards, and ensure compliance with applicable technical, regulatory, and company requirements for high-pressure, hazardous fluid, and cryogenic operations.

Key Result Areas

Test Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of customer test programs and product qualification
• Review and approve test plans, procedures, instrumentation requirements, and acceptance criteria to ensure safe, repeatable, and high-quality testing
• Provide technical leadership during test execution, troubleshoot issues, and drive timely resolution of technical challenges
• Own and coordinate test schedules, staffing, resources, and priorities with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management to meet project objectives
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, data quality, facility utilization, and overall test efficiency

Facility Operations & Cryogenic Systems

• Provide operational and technical oversight for the safe operation and readiness of the test facility, with primary responsibility for cryogenic systems utilizing LOX, LH2, LN2, LCH4, other hazardous fluids, and high-pressure gasses
• Direct and coordinate with the Operations Engineer to maintain the reliability and readiness of test stands, instrumentation, controls, data acquisition systems, utilities, and cryogenic infrastructure
• Lead troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and facility upgrades to improve safety, capability, and operational performance
• Ensure testing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable company procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure safe execution of all testing activities, particularly those involving cryogenic fluids, hazardous materials, and high-pressure systems
• Lead hazard analyses, risk assessments, incident investigations, and development and implementation of operating procedures
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Technical Leadership, Team Development, & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead the test facility team and foster collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations to successfully execute customer test programs
• Build team capability through mentoring, training, and qualification in test planning, execution, troubleshooting, and safe operation of complex test systems
• Establish clear roles, expectations, operating processes, and accountability while promoting continuous learning, technical excellence, process discipline, and continuous improvement throughout the test organization
• Support customer interactions, technical reviews, and audits as the technical and operational lead for the test facility
• Provide day-to-day leadership, work direction, coaching, and mentorship to the Operations Engineer, Test Engineer, and test technicians
• Directly responsible for hiring, performance management, training and qualification, and career development for test facility personnel