Development Test Engineer II

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space, located in Redondo Beach, is seeking a Development Test Engineer II to lead critical testing for next-generation in-space mobility systems. The role requires collaboration with design, analysis, and operations teams to ensure performance, safety, and reliability of products.

The ideal candidate has strong engineering fundamentals, at least 3 years' experience in aerospace testing, and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. Compensation ranges from $110,000 to $140,000 per year, with benefits including stock options and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical or propulsion systems.
• Hands-on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and commission test fixtures for various testing.
• Execute tests safely, handling setup and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Testing aerospace hardware

Data analysis with Python

Problem-solving

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical or related engineering discipline

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

PLCs

Job description

Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 / year

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 / year

Description

The Development Test Engineer II at Impulse will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of tests critical to validating next-generation in-space mobility systems. This role is highly cross‑functional, interfacing with design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure products meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with hands‑on test experience in a fast‑paced development environment. This position plays a key role in maturing early‑stage designs into flight‑ready hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and commission test fixtures for fluid, cryogenic, high‑pressure, cyclic, environmental, mechanical, and structural testing
• Execute tests safely and efficiently, including setup, operations, and troubleshooting during live test events
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to ensure testability and rapid feedback cycles
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline
• A demonstrated understanding of mechanical, propulsion, fluid, or structural systems
• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Hands‑on experience with hardware in a laboratory or test‑stand environment
• Ability to manage multiple test campaigns in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years’ experience testing aerospace or spaceflight hardware (propulsion systems, structures, mechanisms, avionics)
• Familiarity with high‑pressure fluid systems, cryogenic systems, or hazardous test operations
• Proficiency with instrumentation, DAQ systems, and sensor selection/integration
• Demonstrated ability to develop test plans, execute complex tests, and document results
• Background in designing and automating test setups with NI, LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, FEA/CFD results, and system requirements
• Prior involvement in fast‑paced R&D or startup environments with rapid iteration cycles

Additional Requirements

• Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.