Role Overview
Beehive Industries is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Gas Turbine Rig Testing focused on gas turbine component and subsystem rig testing. This role is responsible for designing, building, instrumenting, and executing tests on propulsion hardware including compressors, combustors, bearings, starter generators and fuel systems. This is a hands-on engineering role working directly with hardware, test rigs, and instrumentation in a lab/test cell environment. The position supports early-stage R&D and development testing to validate designs, explore new concepts, and generate high-quality data for engineering decisions.
This is not a software QA or test automation role—candidates should have experience working directly with physical systems, hardware testing, and instrumentation.
What You'll Do...
- Partner with design engineering to define test objectives, requirements, and success criteria for component and subsystem testing
- Design, build, and commission mechanical test rigs for turbomachinery and propulsion subsystems (e.g., compressors, combustors, starter generators, fuel and bearing systems)
- Develop and implement instrumentation plans, including installation of thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and other sensors
- Configure and operate data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Dewesoft, or similar) to capture high-quality test data
- Execute test programs, including test setup, operation, troubleshooting, and data post-processing
- Lead Test Readiness Reviews and support design reviews with test planning input
- Develop clear and repeatable test procedures for rig operation and data collection
- Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve technical challenges
- Document test results and communicate findings to engineering stakeholders
You have...
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related engineering field
- 5+ years of experience in hands-on hardware or mechanical system testing
- Experience working with instrumented test setups and physical systems (e.g., lab testing, rig testing, or test stands)
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and sensor integration
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot mechanical and test system issues
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills
- The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. Citizenship is required, as only U.S. Citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Nice to have...
- Experience with gas turbine engines, turbomachinery, or rotating equipment (aerospace, power generation, turbochargers, etc.)
- Experience with high-temperature, high-pressure, or combustion testing environments
- Hands-on experience with mechanical rig development, plumbing, and instrumentation integration
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing and design for additive principles
Work Environment
- Primarily based in a lab and test cell environment
- Hands-on work with mechanical hardware, instrumentation, and test rigs
- May involve exposure to noise, heat, rotating equipment, and high-pressure systems