Aerospace Test Operations Manager

Impulsespace; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, Vision & Dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Manager of Test Operations to lead a team that builds, maintains, and operates world-class test equipment to support development and production of spacecraft components. You will balance technical execution with people leadership to deliver safe, reliable, high-quality tests and improve capability, efficiency, and cadence.

The role collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, and integration to turn evolving designs into flight-ready hardware while

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience working on flight hardware assemblies and/or in a test production environment or a bachelor's degree in an engineering or science field.
• 5+ years of experience leading technicians or engineering teams in aerospace, propulsion, manufacturing, or other complex hardware development programs.
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical assembly, fluid systems, pressure systems, control systems, high power, fabrication, or propulsion hardware.
• Strong understanding of safe work practices around high-pressure, cryogenic, electrical, and hazardous test operations.
• Experience using engineering drawings, CAD models, manufacturing documentation, and digital work management systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development program.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of test technicians while establishing a culture of ownership, accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
• Plan, prioritize, and execute technician workloads across multiple development, qualification, and acceptance campaigns to support aggressive program schedules
• Oversee the fabrication, assembly, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of test equipment, ground support equipment, and supporting infrastructure that includes fluids, controls, and high power
• Ensure safe execution of hazardous operations involving cryogenic fluids, high-pressure systems, propulsion testing, and other high-energy testing
• Partner with Test, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Controls, Avionics, and Facilities to define test objectives, build plans, staffing needs, and execution
• Drive process improvements through standardized work instructions, tooling, inventory management, calibration and equipment maintenance, and technician training
• Support hands‑on troubleshooting during test operations, root cause investigations, and rapid hardware iterations to maximize test cadence
• Monitor team performance, staffing requirements, and resource allocation while fostering career development and preparing future technical leaders

Skills

Team leadership

Test operations

Safety compliance

Project planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical assembly

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

CAD

Job description

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Manager of Test Operations to lead a team that builds, maintains, and operates world-class test equipment to support development and production of spacecraft components. You will balance technical execution with people leadership to deliver safe, reliable, high-quality tests and improve capability, efficiency, and cadence.

The role collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, and integration to turn evolving designs into flight-ready hardware while