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

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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.

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

You don't run tests. You deliver proof.

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

• Provide test infrastructure: Develop, build, and technically provision test methods and test benches — mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic setups with 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, environmental) in alignment with 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 test reports with full traceability. 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, 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

• Degree: Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience: First professional experience (internships, thesis, or 1–3 years) in hardware testing, test bench development, or an experimental engineering environment.
• Hands-on hard skills: Solid grasp of test methodologies and experimental setup; practical experience with sensors, data acquisition (DAQ), and mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic test rigs. You're comfortable in the lab, not just at the desk.
• Data competence: You can evaluate measurement data critically — accuracy, uncertainty, plausibility — and turn it into a clear, traceable report. Python or MATLAB for data analysis is a plus.
• Ownership: You take charge of technical topics and drive them forward in a structured way without waiting to be told.
• Mindset: Curious, motivated, hands-on, with a strong willingness to learn in a fast-moving engineering environment.
• On-site presence: This is a hands-on lab and test bench role — on-site in Taufkirchen.
• Languages: Fluent English required. German is a plus for on-site collaboration.
• Nice to have: Experience with composites or pressure vessel testing, LabVIEW, aerospace test standards (e.g. ECSS), or measurement uncertainty analysis.

WHAT WE OFFER

• High level of autonomy & real impact: Be part of shaping our high-tech testing and production landscape
• Startup mindset meets aerospace innovation: Flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas
• Choose your own benefit: Germany ticket, Egym Wellpass, or a tax-free Give Card
• Healthy & social lunch culture: Enjoy fresh meals during shared lunch breaks
• Stunning views: Wind down on our rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the Alps in Taufkirchen or enjoy our indoor garden in Garching-Hochbrück
• Growth opportunities: Work on exciting projects and learn from inspiring people
• We live our team culture: From tech talks to team events and after-work gatherings – we celebrate success together

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.