Test Engineer - Space Hardware (m/f/d)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THE WHAT

You develop and operate the test infrastructure for our aerospace components — from test method and test bench design to campaign execution, data evaluation, and traceable reporting. You bring a fresh engineering perspective to new projects and strengthen our validation capabilities with every campaign.

THE WHY

To end COPV failure in spaceflight.

Every composite pressure vessel that flies is proven on a test bench first. Testing is where design assumptions meet physical reality — burst, proof, cycle, and environmental campaigns generate the data that lets our customers trust their hardware in orbit. This role owns that proof.

YOUR IMPACT

You don't run tests. You deliver proof.

You ensure:

• every test campaign delivers reliable, reproducible data on schedule

• test benches and methods evolve with our products — not behind them

• results are documented so clearly that anyone can trace a data point back to its source

Important note: This role covers hardware testing and quality assurance of our COPVs and carbon structures. We are not hiring for Software QA or software testing positions.

Your tasks in detail and by priority:

Provide test infrastructure

Develop, build, and technically provision test methods and test benches — mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic setups including sensor and DAQ integration — to support product validation and qualification.

→ High Performance: Precision at speed. Test-ready when the hardware is.

Plan and execute test campaigns

Conceptualize, prepare, and run structured test campaigns (e.g. proof, burst, pressure cycling, or environmental testing) according to project and customer requirements. You own the campaign end-to-end.

→ Accountability: Your bench, your campaign, your data.

Evaluate measurement data and report with precision

Analyze measurement results, assess accuracy and reliability, and prepare comprehensive and fully traceable test reports. The data says what it says — you report it straight.

→ Candor: Honest data. Clear reports. No spin.

Drive engineering solutions

Approach testing challenges with curiosity and initiative — new fixtures, smarter instrumentation, and better methods. Testing is applied problem-solving, and you treat it that way.

→ Playfulness: Experiment on the bench, not in production.

Collaborate on-site

Work hands-on with design, manufacturing, and quality teams in Taufkirchen to close the loop between test results and product improvement.

→ Togetherness: Test data only matters if the whole team can act on it.

YOUR PROFILE Must-Haves

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.

• First practical experience (internships, thesis projects, or 1-3 years of professional experience) in hardware testing, test bench development, or an experimental engineering environment.

• Solid understanding of test methodologies and experimental setups, including practical experience with sensors, data acquisition (DAQ), and mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic test systems.

• Ability to critically evaluate measurement data and create clear, traceable documentation; experience with Python or MATLAB is a plus.

• Strong ownership mindset and the ability to drive technical topics forward in a structured and independent manner.

• Fluent English and a curious, hands-on mindset with a strong willingness to learn.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite materials or pressure vessel testing.

• Experience with LabVIEW, aerospace testing standards (e.g. ECSS), cryogenic testing, or measurement uncertainty analysis.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Choose your own benefit: Germany ticket, Egym Wellpass, or a tax-free Give Card

• Healthy & social lunch culture: Fresh meals during shared lunch breaks

• High level of autonomy & real impact: You own a critical seam in the business — between what we sell and what we build

• Startup mindset meets aerospace innovation: Flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas

• Stunning views: Rooftop terrace with views of the Alps in Taufkirchen, or indoor garden in Garching-Hochbrück

• Growth opportunities: Work on technically demanding projects with real stakes

• We live our team culture: From tech talks to team events and after-work gatherings — we celebrate success together

#LI-Onsite #testing #testengineering #aerospace #space #copv

About us Blackwave designs, manufactures and ships flight-qualified, commercial off-the-shelf composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for launch vehicles and satellites. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, the company delivers COPVs from a standardized portfolio with flight heritage. The approach reduces lead time from months to days while ensuring that each tank is qualified and flight-ready. Blackwave's mission is to end COPV failure in spaceflight. The company employs more than 150 people across manufacturing facilities in Germany and Texas.More information at Blackwave.com and the procurement platform COPV.com.