ROLE MISSION
The mission of the Testing Engineer is to establish, develop, and own COPV testing capabilities at the Texas plant. The role is responsible for building the processes, procedures, and methods required to test large-scale Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) to spaceflight standards — ensuring that no COPV leaves Texas without full confidence in its integrity and performance.
Expected Outcomes
A successful Testing Engineer will:
- Take full engineering ownership of COPV testing operations in Texas
- Build the processes and procedures necessary to test large-scale COPVs safely and reliably
- Develop and mature testing methods that meet spaceflight qualification requirements
- Support production and operations with engineering know-how and hands-on troubleshooting
- Establish deep in-house knowledge and experience in COPV testing within the Texas team
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the engineer of record for all COPV testing activities in Texas
- Design, document, and continuously improve testing processes and procedures for large-scale COPVs
- Develop and validate testing methods appropriate for spaceflight qualification
- Operate and maintain testing equipment, ensuring accuracy, calibration, and readiness
- Support production and operations teams with engineering guidance and troubleshooting
- Conduct and document inspections, tests, and evaluations in accordance with applicable standards
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with testing activities and test results
- Build and transfer COPV testing knowledge within the Texas team
- Coordinate with the Team in Germany to bring the process expertise to Texas
- Coordinate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to ensure testing activities support production goals
- Contribute to the development of technical documentation, test plans, and reports
COMPETENCIES
Technical Know-How
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical field (required)
- Experience with engineering development processes and technical documentation (required)
- Proficiency with testing equipment and instrumentation (required)
- Familiarity with aerospace qualification requirements and standards (nice to have)
- Visual inspection training or qualification (nice to have)
- Experience with risk assessment and mitigation methods (nice to have)
Leadership and Professional Skills
- Hands-on approach — equally comfortable at the test bench and at the desk
- Comfortable operating under uncertainty and making sound decisions with incomplete information
- Solution-oriented troubleshooter who drives issues through to resolution
- Organised and structured, but action-oriented and able to move quickly when needed
- Thrives in an environment where processes are still being built, not just followed
REQUIRES QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical field
- Several years of hands-on experience in engineering testing, preferably in aerospace or pressure vessel applications (nice to have)
- Proven experience developing technical documentation, test plans, or engineering procedures
- Experience working in structured, safety-critical production or test environments
Language Skills
- English is required
- Spanish or German are a plus
Work Model
- On-site work is mandatory
- Willingness to work both in the lab/test area and at the desk on a daily basis
- Our current facility is located in Lockhart, Texas (near Austin/San Antonio)
- In mid-2026, Blackwave will relocate to a new site in the Port San Antonio aerospace hub
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Blackwave Texas Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
ITAR Eligibility
Because we work on technologies that are subject to U.S. export regulations (ITAR), this role can only be filled by individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria.
To be considered, you must be one of the following:
- a U.S. citizen or U.S. national,
- a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder),
- a refugee or asylee admitted under U.S. law,
- or otherwise authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information from the Department of State.
If you're unsure whether you meet these requirements, you can learn more about ITAR here.
At Blackwave Texas Inc., we hire for talent, curiosity, and the drive to build what's next. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications — never on what makes people different.
We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you'd like to review our affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at career@blackwave.de
For this U.S.-based role, your application will be managed by our global People Team in Germany.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your desired salary?
- What is the earliest date you are available to start this position?
Work Location: In person
