Instrumentation Engineer

Job description

Who We Are: Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion. The Role: Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and communicates effectively across disciplines. This role requires a strong foundation in electrical engineering and instrumentation and offers a unique opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact on next-generation aerospace systems. If you are passionate about designing measurement systems for high-energy, one-of-a-kind hardware, you will join a highly experienced team whose background spans large aerospace companies, chemical plants, government organizations, and hands-on engineering environments—united by a culture of ownership, innovation, and technical excellence. ### What You’ll Get to Do - Own the design, analysis, development, integration, and maintenance of test department electrical and instrumentation systems used across a wide range of applications. - Play a critical role on a multidisciplinary team responsible for defining how complex aerospace hardware is instrumented, measured, and validated. - Select, integrate, and validate sensors for low-speed and high-speed data acquisition systems - Perform signal conditioning, including excitation, amplification, filtering, isolation, and scaling of raw sensor outputs - Verify correct sensor operation through power checks, continuity, polarity, and calibration - Design and fabricate wiring harnesses and instrumentation interfaces - Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems - Develop robust test setups for large- and small-scale hardware - Generate and revise electrical and instrumentation schematics for test stands - Modify existing structures to meet testing requirements - Generate test procedures for new systems and calibration of existing systems - Review test data to identify issues, anomalies, and trends - Support grounding, shielding, and EMI mitigation efforts - Install, wire, and troubleshoot test instrumentation systems - Communicate with the Software team to support automated testing and analysis - Support commissioning and maintenance of test infrastructure and equipment - Perform additional tasks as needed to support test and development operations ### What You Have - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on test experience (In absence of a degree, 7+ years of relevant experience) - 3+ years of experience in instrumentation, controls, or test engineering - Hands-on experience with signal conditioning and data acquisition systems - Strong understanding of the following: Measurement uncertainty and sampling theory; Filtering, noise, grounding, and EMI; Sensor selection and integration - Solid understanding of sensor signal types and wiring, including: Voltage, mV, differential voltage, and 4–20 mA outputs; Bridge-based sensors; IEPE / charge accelerometers; Digital I/O and low/high-side switching; Thermocouples and RTDs; Pulse and frequency signals - Practical experience installing and troubleshooting: Pressure and differential pressure transducers; Thermocouples and RTDs; High-speed accelerometers; Load cells and strain-gauge sensors; Flowmeters; Mechanical limit switches; Solenoid valves; Power supplies; NI PXI, cDAQ, and cRIO systems; VFDs - Tools & Equipment Experience: Power supplies; Digital multimeters and signal generators; Oscilloscopes; Crimp tools and precision cutting tools; Soldering and rework equipment; Heat guns and strain relief tools; Torque tools for sensor installation; Labeling and harness management tools - Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment - Excellent organizational skills, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the demonstrated capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams - Willingness and ability to work outdoors in support of testing and fabrication activities; safely lift and transport up to 40 pounds; and adapt to evolving test, development, and operational requirements ### What Will Set You Apart - Experience in aerospace, propulsion testing, or flight test - Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, DIAdem - Familiarity with Confluence, Jira, and Microsoft Office Suite - Experience with high-speed or transient data acquisition - Experience operating in cryogenic or high-temperature environments - Background supporting hazardous test operations - Strong cross-functional communication during live test operations - 3+ years of experience with CAD modeling software - 3+ years of experience in hardware testing environments - 3+ years of experience with fluid and/or mechanical system design