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.

• 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.