Mechanical Engineer (COPVs)

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision & dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

A space technology company located in Redondo Beach is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for their Vehicle Engineering Team. This role involves all aspects of designing and testing composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and requires collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, passion for composites, and at least 2 years of experience. The compensation range is $95,000 - $120,000 per year with additional benefits including stock options and health coverage.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience working with composite materials.
• Passion for working with composites and high‑pressure systems.
• Strong knowledge of hand calculations for structural sizing.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, test, and document innovative COPVs.
• Automate COPV development and processes for efficiency.
• Support first‑article build and ramp to production.

Skills

Composite materials

Structural design and analysis

CAD software proficiency

Hands-on fabrication

Mechanics of materials understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Abaqus

Woundsim

Job description

Description

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Location: Redondo Beach

Compensation: $95,000 - $120,000 / year

As a Mechanical Engineer at Impulse for our Vehicle Engineering Team, you will own all aspects of the design, analysis, build, test and integration of flight composite overwrapped pressure vessels – working with cross‑functional engineering teams to accomplish this. This means cradle‑to‑grave ownership of the COPVs and development of next‑generation cutting‑edge bottles to support future vehicles and missions. This role is suitable for individuals with or without experience with COPVs although it is crucial that the individual has a passion for the products and composites.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, test, and document both innovative COPVs and COPV mounting structures.
• Formulate the comprehensive cradle‑to‑grave Road Map for your hardware.
• Automate COPV development and processes to streamline design, analysis, and documentation.
• Work with and strengthen relationships with key suppliers who support COPV processes, components, and materials.
• Size COPVs for future vehicles understanding system requirements and trade space.
• Support first‑article build through the ramp to production in collaboration with the manufacturing team, rolling in DFM and reliability improvements.
• Support development and qualification test campaigns in collaboration with the test team, creating test plans to gather key learnings and demonstrate flightworthiness.
• Establish driving load cases and environments in collaboration with the loads/dynamics and thermal teams.
• Collaborate effectively and frequently with manufacturing working on the shop floor to understand fabrication processes, incorporate feedback, and address needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years’ experience working with composite materials.
• 2+ years demonstrated experience designing and analyzing structural hardware.
• Passion for working with composites, COPVs, and high‑pressure systems.
• Hands‑on experience fabricating composite parts either at university or in industry.
• Strong knowledge of hand calculations for structural sizing and model validation.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods.
• Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes across both metallics and composites such as machining, forming, lamination, and winding.
• Proficiency with CAD software and ability to learn new tools.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across different teams.
• Ability to communicate technical challenges, explain rationale and/or resolve concerns.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing highly performant structures with space‑flown hardware.
• Experience developing COPVs shown to be used in ground or space applications.
• Experience with structural testing, validation, and correlation methods.
• Experience working on a spacecraft or launch vehicle development effort.
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment.
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Abaqus, and Woundsim.

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.