Test Engineer

Hey — do you know Arkadia Space? 🪐

Arkadia, established in 2020, is a pioneering force in the space industry. We have a clear vision: to make space exploration sustainable, accessible, and innovative. We are an in-space propulsion company, developing and commercializing the most performing chemical systems using green propellants, the real alternative to traditional storable propulsion.

Our headquarters are located in Castellon de la Plana on the Costa Azahar. We operate a 100% privately managed orbital engine Test Center at Castellón Airport, the first of its kind in Europe. This facility provides agility, flexibility and speed for tailored, rapid propulsion developments and for testing of engine prototypes and products.

At Arkadia, we trust in every member of our team as we specialize in developing cutting-edge propulsion systems. Our company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. We offer a friendly and stimulating work environment where you can thrive. We value work-life balance, which is reflected in flexible schedules and ongoing professional development opportunities. If you are seeking an opportunity to contribute to the future of space exploration, apply now and join us on this exciting journey!

About the Position🛰️

As a Test Engineer at Arkadia, you will play a central role in validating our propulsion products, from development prototypes to commercial flight engines and systems. 

You will support the development team during early-stage testing and technology maturation,  operating with  autonomy the testing activities associated with commercial engines and propulsion systems (acceptance, qualification and recurring production tests). 

This role is a key part of our testing and hardware validation activities. You will work hands-on with propulsion components, systems, test benches and ground support equipment at our Test Center, ensuring that every element that leaves our facilities has been rigorously verified.  

As Arkadia expands its product range and increases production, this role will take on greater responsibility in planning, coordination and improvement of testing activities. 

What you'll be doing 

• Support development test campaigns from early prototypes to qualification units 
• Execute acceptance testing of already qualified components (thrusters, tanks, etc.) and complete propulsion systems. 
• Test types include hot-firing, pressure testing (e.g., leak, proof, burst) and environmental (e.g., vibration, thermal vacuum) 
• Prepare and review test plans, procedures and test readiness documentation 
• Analyze test data and produce technical reports 
• Coordinate test execution with development, systems and A&I teams 
• Investigate anomalies and contribute to root cause analysis 
• Ensure compliance with internal safety standards and test facility procedures 
• Contribute to the evolution and optimization of test benches and GSE 
• Improve documentation, repeatability and efficiency of recurring test activities 

What you'll need 

• BSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar 
• Experience executing structured test campaigns (development and/or qualification) 

• Strong understanding of:

  • Pressurized fluid systems 
  • Instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, load cells, etc.) 
  • Data acquisition systems 
• Hands-on experience working with hardware  
• Experience writing test documentation and technical reports 
• Ability to troubleshoot during live test operations in a structured and safe manner 
• Organized, methodical and rigorous mindset 
• Strong ownership attitude and ability to coordinate across teams 
• Comfortable in fast-paced, hardware-driven environments 
• Advanced English (spoken and written) 

Nice to have 

• Experience with monopropellant or bipropellant propulsion systems 
• Experience supporting production or recurrent acceptance testing 
• Experience coordinating testing at external facilities or suppliers 
• Experience designing or modifying test benches or ground support equipment 
• Familiarity with ECSS standards 
• Basic knowledge of control and automation tools (LabVIEW) 
• Experience with environmental testing (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal vacuum 
• Spanish is a plus 

Why Arkadia?

Because here you will: 

• Work alongside a passionate and highly skilled space team 
• Have real technical ownership and visibility across disciplines 
• Stay close to hardware and test campaigns 
• Enjoy flexibility and a collaborative atmosphere 
• Receive onboarding and accommodation support if relocating 
• Benefit from the facilities and ecosystem of the university campus where we are based