Test Operator
Company: Venus Aerospace
Location: Houston
Posted on: February 20, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is
revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first
generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our
proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation
Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across
aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of
propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in
space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives
on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the
boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking
for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and
redefine the future of propulsion. The Role: Test Operator As a
Test Operator, you will be at the center of propulsion and systems
testing, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. You’ll
collaborate across disciplines and drive continuous improvements in
test execution. What You'll Get To Do Coordinate and execute test
campaigns, including propulsion hot fires, structural, vibration,
and thermal testing. Operate and monitor test stand systems,
propulsion hardware, and instrumentation. Lead the execution of
test procedures, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements
and safety standards. Author, review, and refine detailed test
procedures and analyze test data for accuracy and performance.
Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot instrumentation issues
and improve reliability. Support setup, upgrades, maintenance, and
breakdown of test stands to ensure readiness for future campaigns.
Act as the key liaison between test, propulsion, manufacturing, and
technician teams to ensure smooth test stand operations. Implement
and maintain end-to-end data acquisition systems by authoring and
integrating software code, developing the graphical user interface
(GUI), and verifying instrument fidelity at company test sites to
successfully operate systems and collect performance data. Analyze
test data in real time using engineering tools and scripts for
visualization and evaluation Collaborate with engineering and
operations teams to improve hardware configurations, data
collection tools and methods, and modify procedures to enhance
overall test performance and reliability. Work with test
technicians and operations teams to continuously improve personnel
and hardware safety at the test site through planning and
implementation of operational procedures. Monitor hardware and
instrumentation at the test site and troubleshoot as needed to
maintain or improve data fidelity. What You Have 1 - 3 years of
experience in a hardware testing environment. (Nationally
recognized rocket club experience is accepted as qualifying
hands-on experience) Hands-on knowledge of test components: valves,
pneumatic actuators/solenoids, limit switches, relief valves,
pressure transducers, thermocouples, pressure vessels, GUIs/HMIs,
and data acquisition systems. Ability to read P&IDs and
understand the flow of gases and fluids Capable of performing basic
instrumentation tasks, including wire cutting, crimping, and
soldering Ability to read and follow engineering instructions and
independently implement new tools or data collection methods Strong
problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, and attention to
detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent
software. Clear communication skills, including over comms devices
while operating consoles (computer workstation). Ability to thrive
both as part of a collaborative team and as a self-driven
individual. Comfortable working outdoors as needed; able to lift up
to 25 lbs; capable of extended desk/computer work. What Will Set
You Apart Experience with mechanical and fluid system design.
Experience with electrical and mechanical fabrication. Experience
with pressurized gases and liquids up to 6000psia. Experience with
NI hardware (PXIe, cRIO, cDAQ). Experience designing and
commissioning new test facilities. Experience with GIT repositories
and/or JSON file types. Experience with LabVIEW Experience with
Vizio Experience with python or MATLAB Experience with Confluence
or Jira Location: On-site in Houston, TX Benefits: Venus Aerospace
employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical
benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday
flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional
development opportunities. About Venus Aerospace By enabling one
hour global travel, Venus Aerospace is transforming the world and
our access to it. We’re building a spaceplane with a low carbon
footprint that will enable one-hour global travel. We are a
diverse, veteran team with extreme experience in successful new
space, commercial, R&D, and government/military programs. We
are looking for incredible, motivated, enthusiastic people that
want to build a world-changing culture and organization. You will
be helping Venus grow and develop, so flexibility and a sense of
adventure is quintessential. We are looking for all-around AWESOME
people to help us grow. We’ve done the professional grind, and
we’ve got a better approach. We take “Home for Dinner” seriously –
we want you to work for us and be “home for dinner”. Family is
important and we don’t want you to miss out on what matters most.
If that appeals to you, we’d love to connect! ITAR Requirements
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S.
export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the
applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export
controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export
regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms
Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S.
citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected
individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to
obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of
State). You can learn more about ITAR here. Venus Aerospace is an
Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and
will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If
you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable
accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call
(281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively
to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being
able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as
following up on an application, third party staffing agencies,
website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a
disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned
within five business days. For additional information about our
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page. We
may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the
hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes,
or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but
do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are
ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about
how your data is processed, please contact us.
Keywords: Venus Aerospace, Galveston , Test Operator, Engineering , Houston, Texas
