Hypersonic Aeropropulsion Test Manager/Test Engineer

Torch Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Hypersonic Aeropropulsion Test Manager with dual capabilities as a Test Engineer to support the 715th Test Squadron (715 TS) at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). The 715 TS operates world-class aerodynamic and propulsion test facilities, and this role is critical to advancing the nation's hypersonic weapon and flight systems.

The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between project management and hands-on test engineering. This role is responsible for managing complex hypersonic aeropropulsion test campaigns (such as scramjet/ramjet testing and high-speed aerodynamic evaluations) from initial concept and customer coordination through execution, data analysis, and final reporting. This position is located onsite at Arnold AFB, TN.

As a Test Manager/Test Engineer, your duties will include the following, but are not limited to:

Test Management & Leadership

• Project Execution: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned hypersonic aeropropulsion test projects under the TMAS contract, ensuring testing is delivered on schedule, within budget, and meets all technical requirements.

• Customer Interfacing: Act as the liaison between the 715 TS, government customers, system developers, and Canvas, Inc. leadership to define test objectives, facility requirements, and success criteria.

• Resource Allocation: Coordinate with facility operations, instrumentation teams, and maintenance crews to schedule wind tunnel time and secure necessary resources.

• Risk Management: Identify programmatic and technical risks early in the test planning phase and develop actionable mitigation strategies.

Test Engineering

• Test Planning & Design: Develop detailed test plans, run matrices, and operational procedures for high-mach, high-enthalpy flow testing.

• Systems Integration: Oversee the buildup, integration, and checkout of test articles within the wind tunnel facility, ensuring all instrumentation (pressure, temperature, force, optical diagnostics) is correctly configured.

• Test Execution: Act as a Test Director/Test Engineer during live tunnel operations. Monitor real-time data, ensure facility parameters match required test conditions, and make critical go/no-go decisions regarding test article safety and data quality.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Perform post-test data reduction and aerodynamic/thermodynamic analysis. Author comprehensive test reports, briefings, and presentations summarizing facility performance and test article behavior.

Safety & Compliance

• Safety Protocol: Strictly adhere to and enforce all AEDC safety directives, particularly those involving high-pressure systems, high temperatures, and hazardous fuels associated with hypersonic testing.

• Security: Maintain the integrity of classified data, test articles, and facility operations in accordance with DoD and AEDC security guidelines.

Required Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizenship

• Education - Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. *Additional experience may be substituted for education with customer approval.

• Specific Relevant Work Experience - 6 years

• Must be able to obtain/maintain Secret DoW security clearance. Active clearance must be maintained throughout employment tenure.

Schedule: M-F; 8-5

Work Location: customer site

Travel: yes

Relocation Assistance Available: NA

Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No

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