Hop Aero · 18 hours ago
Propulsion Engineer
Orange County, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid LevelHop Aero is building the physical internet at the intersection of aerospace, national security, and hard execution. They are seeking a propulsion engineer who has hands-on experience with rocket propulsion systems to design, assemble, and operate test setups while leading engine testing and analyzing data for rapid design iterations.
Aviation & Aerospace
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, assemble, and operate rocket propulsion test setups, including engines, feed systems, valves, plumbing, and instrumentation
Lead and execute engine testing, from pre-test checkout through post-test teardown and data review
Own propulsion test operations, including procedures, safety reviews, and go/no-go criteria
Specify, install, and operate data acquisition systems (pressure, temperature, flow, load cells, ignition systems, etc.)
Analyze test data, identify issues, and drive rapid design iterations with the rest of the team
Work hands-on with hardware, tools, test stands, and ground support equipment
Support integration of propulsion systems into flight vehicles
Help scale test cadence and mature propulsion operations as the program grows
Qualification
Required
Demonstrable hands-on experience with rocket propulsion systems, particularly at a launch company, defense contractor, or student rocketry program
Direct experience running propulsion tests, not just observing or supporting from a distance
Comfortable building and modifying test setups, plumbing, wiring, and instrumentation yourself
Experience with data acquisition hardware and software, and turning raw data into actionable insight
Experience handling cryogenic propellants (LOX strongly preferred) or high-pressure propulsion systems
Strong intuition for hardware, failure modes, and practical engineering tradeoffs
Willingness to work on-site at a remote test location and be present for testing
Benefits
Healthcare
Office meals & snacks
Company
Hop Aero
Stealth mode startup building a physical internet. More info coming soon.
Founded in 2024
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase