Backed by a16z, Index and NEA.
About the role
We are looking for a Head of Test to build and lead the test organization within our Propulsion & Launch division. Reporting to the Head of Propulsion & Launch, you will be responsible for standing up the facilities, infrastructure, teams, and processes needed to test rocket propulsion systems and vehicle stages at high cadence. You will define the test philosophy for the program—what to test, how to test it, and what “good” looks like—and then build the organization that executes against that standard.
What they're looking for
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering field
- 10+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, or propulsion development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams and test facilities
- Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands (engine or stage level) including structural, fluid, and electrical systems
- Strong background in data acquisition systems architecture: sensor selection, signal conditioning, sampling rates, real-time data display, and post-test processing pipelines
- Experience with test control and sequencing systems—whether PLC/PAC-based, custom real-time software, or commercial platforms (NI, dSPACE, or equivalent)—for automated test execution and abort safing
- Demonstrated ability to build and scale a test organization: hiring, training, establishing procedures and safety culture, and driving operational cadence in a hardware-rich environment
More about this role
Mission
Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are tackling one of humanity’s most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Cowboy Space Corporation is transforming how civilization powers, computes and connects - from orbit to Earth.
Background
Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport.
Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will revolutionize how we operate in orbit and on Earth, supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base,...
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