Manager, Test Operations

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 responsible for building, maintaining, and operating world‑class test equipment and infrastructure that supports the development and production of components and assemblies for in‑space transportation.

You will balance technical execution with people leadership, ensuring safe, reliable, and high‑quality tests while driving capability, efficiency, and test cadence.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience on flight hardware assemblies or in a test production environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading technicians or engineering teams in aerospace or similar programs.
• Experience with mechanical assembly, fluid systems, high-power and propulsion hardware.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of test technicians with a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute workloads across development, qualification, and acceptance campaigns.
• Oversee fabrication, assembly, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of test equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure safe execution of hazardous operations involving cryogenic fluids and high-energy testing.
• Partner with Test, Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Controls, Avionics, and Facilities to define objectives and plans.
• Drive process improvements through standardized work, tooling, inventory, calibration, and training.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and rapid hardware iterations.
• Monitor performance, staffing, and resource allocation while developing future leaders.

Skills

Flight hardware

Team leadership

Safety practices

Engineering drawings

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Job description

Manager, Test Operations

Department: Assembly, Integration & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $165,000 - $205,000 / year

Description

As the Manager of Test Operations at Impulse, you will lead a team responsible for building, maintaining, and operating world class test equipment and infrastructure that supports the development and production of components and assemblies that will serve in Impulse’s goal of pioneering the future of in-space transportation.

You will balance technical execution with people leadership, ensuring your team delivers safe, reliable, and high-quality tests while continuously improving capability, efficiency, and test cadence. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and integration to transform rapidly evolving designs into flight-ready hardware.

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

Minimum 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

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience leading technician teams supporting liquid rocket propulsion, spacecraft, or other high-performance aerospace hardware
• Hands‑on experience with propulsion testing, ground support equipment, cryogenic systems, pressure testing, or integrated vehicle operations
• Experience building and scaling technical organizations
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven track record of developing future technical leaders while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and execution

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.
• Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. 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.